OREANDA-NEWS. May 12, 2009. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva attended the solemn ceremony marking national leader Heydar Aliyev`s 86th birthday anniversary and 5th anniversary of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation at the Buta palace.

The meeting attended by government officials, foreign guests was addressed by President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, UNESCO and ISESCO goodwill ambassador, Milli Majlis member Mehriban Aliyeva. She said Heydar Aliyev`s rule in Azerbaijan was based on patriotism.

“Azerbaijan is the result of Heydar Aliyev`s victory,” said Mehriban Aliyeva.

President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation touched upon Foundation`s five-year activity, saying it has implemented huge projects in scientific, cultural and social fields.

A film about national leader Heydar Aliyev was demonstrated at the event. The film has featured family life of Heydar Aliyev for the first time.

President Ilham Aliyev made his remarks at the ceremony.

The President stressed Heydar Aliyev went through trials successfully at all times, saying his policy and ideas are successfully continued.

“We, his successors, will continue his policy and lead Azerbaijan along his path,” said Azerbaijani Leader.

The Head of State noted Azerbaijan is a modern state and the country is developing. This path of development was shown by Heydar Aliyev and national leader`s Azerbaijanism idea is the basis of Azerbaijan`s ideology.

“I am very proud that we, Heydar Aliyev`s successors, rule the country the way he wanted to. Ruling the country, first of all, we rely on people`s trust just like Heydar Aliyev did and pursue our policy in line with people`s will. It is a major condition for successfully development of every country,” said the President.

The Head of State praised five-year activity of the Foundation, adding it has always extended a helping hand to everyone who needed help. President Aliyev described Heydar Aliyev Foundation`s activity as “good intention”.

The Heydar Aliyev award was presented to sculptor, artist Omar Eldarov for his contribution to development fine arts, composer, people`s artist Arif Melikov for contribution to development music and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva for her contribution to socio-political and cultural life of Azerbaijan.

“First of all, I express my gratitude to Mr. President, You for assessing my activity so high. It is everyone`s duty to serve his homeland. It is the greatest honor for me to be presented the Heydar Aliyev Award,” said Mehriban Aliyeva.

A film narrating on Heydar Aliyev Foundation`s activity was shown later.

The “Gold Plane” international award instituted by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation went to the following persons: Ihsan Dogramaci for his active participation in the Heydar Aliyev projects and programs and contribution to development of international relationship (the award was given to Rector of the Bilkent University, Ihsan Dogramaci`s son, Ali Dogramaci), people`s artist Alibaba Mammadov for contribution to development of mugham art in Azerbaijan, Marco Borsotti, former UN resident coordinator in Azerbaijan for his participation in the internationally important projects and cooperation with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, surgeon Rashad Mahmudov for supporting Heydar Aliyev Foundation`s healcare projects, Polish ambassador Krzysztof Krajewski for supporting construction of the secondary school in the Sarigamish village of the Samukh region under the Heydar Aliyev Foundation`s “New Schools to Renewing Azerbaijan” project, Narmina Zohrabova, director of the orphanage No1 in the Nizami district for raising a healthy young generation.

The awarding ceremony was followed by the concert.