On the eve of the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis, which is celebrated on the last day of the year, Moscow hosted the 4th Congress of the All-Russian Azerbaijani Congress. Speaking at the congress, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Russia, Polad Bulbuloglu, said that Baku attaches great importance to the Diaspora, and told a couple of stories belonging to the era of the national leader Heydar Aliyev.
"As a minister, I have been on trips with Heydar Aliyev, and wherever he came in Russia, he always met with the Diaspora. He always said: "You can live where you want, you can do whatever you want, you can marry anyone you like, but do not forget that you are Azerbaijanis". These are the words of our great leader," Polad Bulbuloglu said.
"Once we were at the meeting of Heads of State in Yalta. We have a very busy schedule - the meeting at first, then the official lunch and back to the airport. When I left the hotel, I saw several representatives of our diaspora, who live in Yalta. They asked for a meeting with Heydar Aliyev. I told them with regret about our busy schedule: "Now, at 10 am we have a meeting, an official dinner at 12:00, which will be attended by all the presidents, and then we will leave for an airport. Departure is scheduled for 15:00 pm".
At this time, Heydar Aliyev came out, got in the car and we left. When the official meeting came to an end, Heydar Aliyev called me at a formal dinner and asked:
- Did you talk with the Azeris when I went out to the car?
- Yes, they were representatives of the diaspora. They wanted to see you, but I said that you are busy because of your schedule.
- Did I authorized you to speak on my behalf that I am busy? Where are these people?
- In Yalta, Heydar Aliyev.
- Find them, I will meet with them.
No highways were blocked for the President, the flight was delayed, but Heydar still met with representatives of the Diaspora," Polad Bulbuloglu said.
Addressing the representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Moscow, he noted: "Sometimes we need your help, especially in the conduct of large events, in bringing our point of view. The AAC Congress is one of the most important activities of the Azerbaijani Diaspora, as well as AYOR events, because we rely on the youth. And I would like to thank Leila Aliyeva, who is doing a lot to unite young people in Russia, for a variety of activities, to support good students. These students receive awards, scholarships, grants, diplomas, which is, of course, inspiring. It is nice to look at these educated, smart, modern young Azerbaijanis, who live in Russia today".
