A dinner organized after the ceremony of presenting the Honorary Professor’s diploma and badge of the Sechenov First State Moscow Medical University

First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva was awarded the title of Honorary Professor of the Sechenov First State Moscow Medical University, April 13. After the solemn ceremony of presenting the Honorary Professor’s diploma and badge, a dinner was organized on behalf of First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva.

First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva delivered a speech at the ceremony.

Speech by Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva:

- I’m among my friends in a country I’ve been associated with pleasant memories. Significant number of years of my life, years of youth I’ve spent in this country. Therefore, I had felt great responsibility.

I would like to thank all, who took part in organization of all these events and in making decision to award me both these prizes. I would also like to thank you for the conditions you have created here. I’m feeling in this country so comfortable, so happy that these feelings are still continuing while I’m here among you. I want to note that we are very proud of our country in Azerbaijan. I’m sure most of people gathered here have already been to our country, and they very well understand what I mean. Although 20 years are not so long time in terms of history, our country has made great achievements in such a short time span.

We Azerbaijanis are proud today that Azerbaijan is recognized on an international arena, our people started to live better, the progress in all spheres of our life can be seen from the first sight. Therefore, I would be glad to see all of you in Azerbaijan. We have a common past, and a lot of things link us with each other. Whatever processes, whatever changes occur, we can not delete and forget our past. It should not be forgotten at all.

Today Azerbaijan treats the Russian language, Russian literature and Russian poetry with profound respect. None of the Russian schools was closed during the years of independence, and all of them are functioning. The Slavic University, the Russian Dramatic Theatre and the Russian Cultural Centre are functioning in Baku. Of course, the Russian literature and Russian language are a worldly wealth. And our peoples’ attitude to them will, as always, be with much respect and esteem. Therefore, taking this opportunity, I would like to invite all of you to Baku, our capital, and also to our regions. We have very beautiful places. We have our beautiful Caspian Sea. At the same time, now we have a modern and very beautiful ski resort. We have beautiful mountains, forests, places of interest and rest. I invite all of you to our country.

At the end of my speech I would like to thank all, who have delivered a speech, for those sincere words about me and my activity, and first of all about Azerbaijan. I think all those words said here were about my country, and I’m very proud of it. Thank you very much.