Ilham Aliyev: Aziz Aliyev did a lot to prevent Dagestanis from being deported

Ilham Aliyev: Aziz Aliyev did a lot to prevent Dagestanis from being deported

The strengthening of fraternal relations between the peoples of Dagestan and Azerbaijan is, in many respects, key to the sustainable development of the entire Caucasus region, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said while presenting the "Dostlug" Order to prominent Dagestani public and political figure Kurban Kurbanov, Olaylar informs.

"Speaking of elders, I cannot fail to recall my grandfather Aziz Aliyev, who led the republic during the difficult times for Dagestan and the Dagestani people - the years of the Great Patriotic War - and who did much to ensure that the Dagestanis, unlike the peoples of other North Caucasus republics, were not subjected to repression and deportation. I know that the memory of Aziz Aliyev is held very dear in Dagestan. His contribution to development and, most importantly, his leadership of the republic during the most difficult period of the war and the positive legacy he left behind are, of course, a source of pride for us and for me personally as his grandson.

There is a bust in my office. This bust was in Aziz Aliyevchr("39")s office in Makhachkala. The Dagestanis preserved it and recently presented it to me as a gift. I have no other busts in this office or in my other working offices - only this one. Unfortunately, I do not remember him, but it is a keepsake of my grandfather, who lives on in the historical memory of both Azerbaijanis and Dagestanis. Thus, we have many things in common, and I would like to say once again: the strengthening of fraternal relations between the peoples of Dagestan and Azerbaijan is, in many respects, key to the sustainable development of the entire Caucasus region," the head of state said.