Ilham Aliyev answered Mirshakhin Agayev's question: My address can only be directed to the people of Azerbaijan

To be honest, it would be somewhat presumptuous of me to address all of humanity. As you know, I have always tried to remain modest, despite having held this position for almost 23 years. Over these years, Azerbaijan has come a long way. Today, our people know well what results have been achieved, and perhaps you know this even better than others.

This was stated by President Ilham Aliyev, answering a question from Azerbaijani journalist Mirshahin Agayev during the opening ceremony of the IV Shusha Global Media Forum.

"My address can only be directed to the people of Azerbaijan. At different times, I have had numerous addresses to the Azerbaijani people - both during the period of occupation, during the war, and after it. Of course, these addresses differed in their content, since we were in different situations.

During the period of occupation, during numerous meetings with former internally displaced persons, I urged them not to lose hope. I told them to stay strong in spirit and to trust me that we would return to these lands. I have already spoken about this many times, but taking this opportunity, I can say again: I saw how over the years their hope was gradually fading. In people's eyes, longing and despair were increasingly evident. But I could not tell them exactly when it would happen. I only said: 'Believe.' And they believed. For seventeen years - and that is no short period - they waited, believed my words, and consistently supported the policies we pursued," the head of state noted.