President Ilham Aliyev says Zayed Award 'means a great deal' to him

President Ilham Aliyev said the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity carries great significance for him.

According to Report, President Aliyev made the remarks on September 15 while receiving Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, members and observers of the Council of Heads of Muslim Religious Boards of the Organization of Turkic States, as well as a delegation comprising co-organizers of the Yahya Bakuvi International Conference and members of the Supreme Religious Council of Caucasian Peoples.

"This award naturally means a great deal to me. The decision was made by a very prestigious jury, and I know that the selection process there is very precise and thorough, taking into account many factors. For this reason, I would like to express my special gratitude. At the same time, this award was another step toward peace. It was a step in support of our peace agenda. Because, I want to reiterate, we are now living in peace with Armenia. However, the wounds in our hearts have not healed. The wounds in the hearts of our people have not healed, and no one can know when they will heal," President Ilham Aliyev said.

"Taking a step toward peace less than two years after bloody clashes and a 30-year occupation requires immense courage and foresight and, at the same time, once again demonstrates Azerbaijan's peace agenda. Of course, various paths could have been chosen, and naturally, the choice belonged to Azerbaijan. Because Azerbaijan emerged victorious from the war. Armenia was completely defeated and signed the act of capitulation, and, of course, we could have dictated any agenda. However, we chose the peace agenda, and how wise this choice was is today, as they say, clear to the entire world. The whole world sees it. Because this confrontation, this war, had to stop at some point, and had we not stopped it, no one else could have done so. Had we not stopped it, it would have continued indefinitely, blood would have been shed, martyrs would have been lost, and the normal development of our country would not have been possible. Therefore, the award you presented to me and to the Prime Minister of Armenia was precisely what supported this peace agenda through practical deeds. Yes, statements had been issued. Almost the entire international community expressed its support for the initialing of the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan-that is to say, political statements were made. However, this award further strengthened that support. That solemn ceremony organized by you in Abu Dhabi, your personal attitude, and the support expressed there by world leaders for the peace process naturally reinforce these positive trends."