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September 12, 2012

Opening of the Azerbaijani-Russian Friendship Bridge in Astrakhan

A solemn opening ceremony of the Azerbaijani-Russian Friendship Bridge was held in Astrakhan, September 12. Vice-president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, chairman of the Azerbaijani Youth Organization of Russia (AYOR) Leyla Aliyeva attended the opening ceremony.


Officials of the state of Azerbaijan and the Astrakhan region, members of the Milli Majlis, representatives of the Azerbaijani community and citizens of the city participated in the opening ceremony.

 

First, participants of the ceremony visited the monument erected to national leader Heydar Aliyev at the centre of Astrakhan, and put flowers before it. Opening the ceremony, Governor of the Astrakhan region Alexander Jilkin said: “The opening of the Azerbaijani-Russian friendship bridge today is indeed an event of historical importance for Astrakhan. Because strategic interests of Azerbaijan and Russia, the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Astrakhan region are implemented in deed, not in word.” The Governor of Astrakhan sincerely thanked President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for laying the foundation of friendship between many nations historically living on the Caspian shores. He stated that we, the elderly, too should appreciate this, and future generations and our children would do the same. A.Jilkin thanked also the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and its Vice-president Leyla Aliyeva, who also attended the opening ceremony, for the implementation of this humanitarian project, and congratulated the participants of the event on this significant event.

 

Leyla Aliyeva delivered a speech at the event. 


Then Vice-president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva and Governor of the Astrakhan region Alexander Jilkin cut the ribbon symbolizing the official opening of the Friendship Bridge.

 

It was informed that a decision to build the bridge was made while Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev was on a visit to Astrakhan in 2010. At that time, a monument to great Heydar Aliyev was opened in this city. In May of 2011, a ceremony of laying the foundation of the Friendship Bridge within the 1st Russian-Azerbaijani Regional Forum entitled “Russia-Azerbaijan: towards new horizons of interregional cooperation” was held. Construction of the bridge, which has become the symbol of friendly relations between our countries, has been carried out by support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

 

Designed for pedestrians, the Friendship Bridge connects the Heydar Aliyev Park with the Peter 1st Square. Symbols of Baku and Astrakhan – the Maiden Tower and the Kremlin of Astrakhan – have been reflected on the handrails of the Bridge. The Bridge is 50 meters long and 6 meters wide. The bridge will facilitate the city residents’ passage from one side to another. 

 

Then the attendees of the event participated in the opening of the “Arzu” children’s entertainment park created in the Heydar Aliyev Park. Built by support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the park is located in a 1200-square meter-area. 7 big and several small attractions have been installed and all conditions have been created here to ensure children’s rest and safety. Currently, construction of a child cafeteria in the park’s area continues.


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