BY ELENA KOSOLAPOVA
AZERI OBSERVER STAFF WRITER
The Port of Baku has hosted a special event dedicated to honoring the invaluable contribution of Azerbaijan’s National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the reconstruction and development of the Port, and to commemorating his enduring legacy.
The event featured a special photo exhibition, showcasing unique photos that have been generously donated by the Port of Baku and the State Maritime and Port Agency. Visitors had the opportunity to view these rare images, providing a glimpse into the life and legacy of the Great Leader, as well as how his legacy continues to inspire and guide the ongoing development of the Port of Baku.
National Leader Heydar Aliyev was a visionary and influential political figure in Azerbaijan, who played a pivotal role in shaping modern Azerbaijan. His legacy includes the development of the Port of Baku, which has emerged as a critical transportation hub and economic center, not only for Azerbaijan but also for the wider region.
Under Heydar Aliyev’s leadership, the Port of Baku underwent significant modernization and expansion in 1970s and 1980s as well as, in1990s and the early 2000s. National Leader Heydar Aliyev’s vision for the development of transport and logistics infrastructure was one of the pillars of Azerbaijan’s socia-economic policy. He oversaw the modernization of transport infrastructure in the country to meet international standards, including the reconstruction of the Port of Baku as part of the East-West and North-South transport corridors, and the construction of Baku Maritime Terminal 52 years ago. To ensure the project’s success, modern equipment was installed at the Port of Baku, and port terminals and facilities were constructed to meet modern standards.
Thanks to Heydar Aliyev’s strategic vision, Azerbaijan has emerged as a logistics center in the Caspian Sea basin and the wider region, with a significant impact at the global level, including in the Eurasian space.
The country is now a vital transit point for transport hubs and corridors in the region, contributing to its growing economic and strategic importance.
The event was attended by high-level government officials, ambassadors, parliament members, diplomats, business leaders, port, railway, and transport specialists, as well as media representatives.
A special video presentation highlighting Heydar Aliyev’s contributions to the development of the Port of Baku and Azerbaijan’s transport infrastructure was screened.
Prominent officials paid tribute to the National Leader’s legacy through speeches.
Following the opening ceremony, admission to the exhibition will be complimentary, and the public is welcome to view the exhibit from May 05 to May 22.