On June 7 All-Georgian Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II attended Heydar Aliyev Foundation.
First distinguished guest and persons accompanying him were familiarized with numerous photos reflecting the very different moments of life of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev and creating wide impression of an entire era of Azerbaijani history, gifts given by famous politicians of the world, books on our great leader, saw with big interest the pictures of genius personality taken with leaders of European and Asian countries.
After familiarization with Foundation, Ilia II wrote down warm words in honor book, said blessed memory of great leader of Azeri people Heydar Aliyev left unforgettable tracks in heart of Georgia people, friendly and brotherly ties between nations of Azerbaijan and Georgia will always live.
President of Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Mehriban Aliyeva met with All-Georgian Catholicos-Patriarch Ilia II. Mrs Aliyeva expressed her delight of welcoming the distinguished guest at the Foundation named after nationwide leader of Azeri people, thanked him for having time and coming to this meeting. She said that main goal of Foundation that started its activity on May 10, 2004, was to study rich heritage of Heydar Aliyev, architect and constructor of independent state of Azerbaijan, to deliver it to future generations, create obvious impression of his large-scale activity directed to social-economic, cultural progress of Azerbaijan, support implementation of international projects, author of which is genius personality, assist to works done in field of wide propaganda of Azeri culture and history. Besides, a number of projects were realized in short time on the initiative and due to funds of Foundation, fundamental repair and reconstruction works implemented at 12 children`s homes and boarding schools where children deprived of parental care are trained, this difficult and honorable mission was taken under protection. Complex measures were prepared on the organization of treatment of children with thalassemia, big-scale activity has started on the construction of new schools in 132 villages covering all the regions of republic till the start of new school year.
Expressing satisfaction of sincere meeting, All-Georgian Catholicos-Patriarch mentioned unique services of famous political figure Heydar Aliyev in development of relations between two friendly and neighbor nations, in assurance of prosperity of his nation. Ideas of great leader are continued by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in worthy manner. It is very nice to see sincere relations between heads of our states.
Ilia II stressed he was aware of very valuable public activity of Mehriban Aliyeva, said he also established `Georgian Patriarch` Foundation, major goal of which was to assist to the study and propaganda of ancient history and culture of Georgian people. Guest noted experience of Heydar Aliyev Foundation was useful, expressed his desire of creating cooperation between the two Foundations, invited Mrs Aliyeva to Georgia.
Thanking for sincere words, the value set to her activity, Mehriban Aliyeva accepted invitation with great pleasure, said she would come to Tbilisi that she loved much as soon as she had chance.
Ilia II gifted President of Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva an original work of art handmade by Georgian masters.
Mehriban Aliyeva presented the distinguished guest the book reflecting 1-year activity of Foundation, badge reflecting image of great leader, an album `Karabakh singers` released by Foundation.
In the meeting were present chairman of Caucasian Muslims Department, Sheikhulislam Hajji Allahshukur Pashazade, State Advisor on national policy issues Hidayat Orujov, Georgian ambassador to our country Zurab Gumberidze.
Leaving the Foundation with good impressions, Ilia II was taken picture with Sheikhulislam for memory in front of portrait of Heydar Aliyev.