On October 18, 1991, when Azerbaijan gained its independence it declared itself the political and legal successor of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic and demonstrated its commitment to its ancient traditions of statehood. Soon it restored state symbols of Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.
The first years of independence were extremely difficult for the Republic of Azerbaijan. The country was significantly weakened by Armenia’s expanding aggression, internal power struggle and collapse of the economy. Irresponsible activity of Popular Front-Musavat government brought Azerbaijan to the verge of collapse.
But national leader Heydar Aliyev`s returning to power in 1993 marked a turning point in the situation. On June 15, 1993, Heydar Aliyev was elected as chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Republic of Azerbaijan. That day went down into the history of Azerbaijan as National Salvation Day. On June 23, the Milli Majlis entrusted the presidential power to Heydar Aliyev. The people united much closer around their leader. On October 3, 1993, Heydar Aliyev was elected as President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Independent state building, ensuring security and territorial integrity, restoration of the economy, democratic development, establishment of international relations of Azerbaijan and its integration into the world community were the key priorities of Heydar Aliyev’s national development strategy.
It was Heydar Aliyev’s salvation mission that allowed to preserve the state independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The national leader’s tenure as president from 1993 to 2003 went down in Azerbaijan`s history as a period of fundamental reforms.
The outcomes of 2003, 2008, 2013 and 2018 (early) presidential elections are clear examples of this support. The unity between the people and the government is the crucial factor in the development of independent Azerbaijan.
Today, Azerbaijan is one of the world’s most competitive countries, and the enormous projects Azerbaijan has implemented jointly with its partners have redrawn Eurasia’s energy and transportation map.
The people of Azerbaijan have a great heritage of statehood and are proud of their glorious past. They regard the freedom that they cherish and preserve like the apple of an eye as a historical milestone and demonstrate readiness to any sacrifice for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The 44-day Patriotic war, which culminated in a Azerbaijan’s great victory under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, clearly reflects this determination, resolve and boundless commitment to historical heritage and culture. Today, the Republic of Azerbaijan, as a state that has restored its territorial integrity, is experiencing the time of most significant redevelopment and return in its history.
