It's been 22 years since Ilham Aliyev was first elected as President of Azerbaijan

Today marks 22 years since Ilham Aliyev was first elected President of Azerbaijan in 2003, which became a turning point in the modern history of the country.

As BAKU.WS reminds, on October 1 of the same year, the national leader Heydar Aliyev in his address to the Azerbaijani people stated:

"Addressing you, my compatriots, I call on you to support the candidacy of my political successor, First Deputy Chairman of the 'Yeni Azerbaijan' party, Ilham Aliyev, in the upcoming presidential elections. He is a highly intellectual person with pragmatic thinking, who excellently understands modern world politics and economics, an energetic and initiative person. I assure you that both Ilham Aliyev and the 'Yeni Azerbaijan' party will continue to unite the most worthy sons of our nation around themselves and will do much for the development of the Azerbaijani state and the welfare of our people. I believe that with your help and support, Ilham Aliyev will be able to complete the fateful issues, plans, and matters that I could not finish. I believe in him as I believe in myself and place great hopes in his future."

And so it happened - the people supported the call of the great leader. As a result, in the presidential elections on October 15, 2003, more than 76% of voters voted for Ilham Aliyev, electing him President of Azerbaijan, which marked the beginning of a new stage in the country's development.

During the 22 years of his activity, President Ilham Aliyev has fully fulfilled the promises given to the people. During this period, rapid development of the country in all spheres has been achieved, and the welfare of citizens has been significantly improved. Azerbaijan's political and economic capabilities have been expanded, a modern army has been created, and the country's positions in the international arena have been strengthened. Today, all major international projects implemented in the region are carried out with Azerbaijan's participation and taking into account its national interests.

The most significant achievement was the complete restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev and the realization of the national leader's sacred dream of liberating the occupied lands. During the 44-day Patriotic War, the President of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev regularly addressed the people. These addresses brought the Azerbaijani people to their feet, united them as a single fist, having a powerful impact on the course and outcome of the war. Each address became a harbinger of new victories.

Today, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan's economy is successfully developing, restoration work is in full swing in Karabakh, and social programs are being implemented. All this gives reason to assert that Azerbaijan will soon transform Karabakh into a paradise, and former forced migrants, expelled from their native lands, will return safely to their homes forever.

Although the 22-year period of the Azerbaijani leader's activity is remembered for many successes and glorious pages, the Karabakh Victory should be especially noted. It was Ilham Aliyev's political competence, his far-sighted political moves, decisions made by him as the leader of Azerbaijan, and his tireless desire to work for the benefit of his native people that led to this glorious Victory in the history of Azerbaijan. Yes, Ilham Aliyev worthily fulfilled his leadership role, functions as a leader and Supreme Commander-in-Chief for Azerbaijan's victory in its just struggle, despite the fact that for many this conflict was already considered "frozen," many external factors were aimed at perpetuating the Armenian occupation, and the norms and principles of international law were ignored.

The power of the Azerbaijani people, united like a fist around Ilham Aliyev, the determination of a society believing in its leader, became one of the factors that determined the Karabakh Victory. When this unity and equality combined with the people's love and infinite faith, no force could stand against them. And so it happened - the restoration of our country's sovereignty after the 44-day war became possible precisely because of this unity.

The path to victory in the 44-day Patriotic War, the restoration of our sovereignty, and many successes achieved in the recent past show that Azerbaijan is confidently stepping into the future. Today, Azerbaijan is one of the countries that have a voice in the world political arena. Azerbaijan's opinion and position are voiced and considered at all tables where the geopolitical order is decided. Whether in the West or the East, Azerbaijan stands among the most honored guests at many prestigious meetings.

The architect of all these achievements is undoubtedly the leader of Azerbaijan, President Ilham Aliyev. The political course successfully implemented by Ilham Aliyev and his personal authority in the world political arena are sources of pride for every Azerbaijani. This authority is also an indicator of the international community's endless respect for the work of a leader who tirelessly works for the