The steady development of bilateral relations between Tajikistan and Azerbaijan is based on brotherhood, friendship, and mutual support, and holds great potential for further growth. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev stated this while speaking at the restricted-format meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), held in Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan.
President Aliyev expressed his gratitude to the CIS heads of state for supporting the candidacy of the city of Lachin, located in Azerbaijan’s East Zangazur region, as the CIS Cultural Capital for this year:
“In June of this year, the opening ceremony of the ‘CIS Cultural Capital Year’ took place in Lachin, during which information was presented about the history and cultural heritage of this ancient Azerbaijani land. The guests witnessed firsthand the rapid revival of Lachin after its liberation from 30 years of Armenian occupation. A city that was once completely destroyed has, within a few years, transformed into one of the most beautiful and comfortable places to live.”
The head of state also described another important event in the life of the Commonwealth — the 3rd CIS Games, held from September 28 to October 8 this year in Azerbaijan:
“The main venue for the Games was the ancient city of Ganja — the birthplace of the great Azerbaijani poet and thinker of the 12th century, Nizami Ganjavi. In addition to Ganja, six other Azerbaijani cities — Gabala, Goygol, Yevlakh, Mingachevir, Khankendi, and Sheki — hosted more than 1,600 athletes from 13 countries, including both CIS members and guest nations. Events of this kind strengthen friendship and cooperation across the CIS and beyond, fostering relations based on equality, mutual respect, and shared interests.”
