Heydar Aliyev laid the foundation for the independent and modern state of Azerbaijan in the 20th century, stated Professor Volodymyr Bugrov, Rector of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, told Report.
“There are crucial examples we can take from his political course,” Bugrov stated.
Bugrov emphasized that Heydar Aliyev, the national leader of Azerbaijan, is an exemplary figure in world politics. "His path served as a model for both Ukraine and Azerbaijan in their journey to gain independence after the collapse of the Soviet empire. His political course represents the transition from the difficult Soviet era of heavy industrialization and collectivization to an independent economy and national industry, which both Azerbaijan and Ukraine have struggled through," the rector highlighted.
According to Buhrov, Heydar Aliyev's establishment of this course in the 20th century provided an impetus for the economies of both countries. "Heydar Aliyev did a great deal for independent Azerbaijan through this course. I remember well that during the Soviet era, many Azerbaijanis studied in Ukraine. They entered various strategic institutes here. Some of those students later became significant figures as Azerbaijani specialists in Ukraine and other countries, subsequently laying the foundation for the diaspora here. All of this was the groundwork for a future national strategy for his people, laid by Heydar Aliyev, who had previously led Soviet Azerbaijan," he added.
The professor further noted that Heydar Aliyev's professional political skills and leadership abilities reminded him of Winston Churchill. "Heydar Aliyev conveyed to the world the importance of his people's national interests. This is, in fact, a unique political value that other countries should emulate. The mind of a politician, the thoughts of a statesman, and the wisdom of a leader are not only necessary for the 20th and 21st centuries to which we are connected but also serve as historical records. They are especially crucial in light of today's events, teaching us how to preserve a country's independence. This would be the most vital lesson we could take from Heydar Aliyev," Bugrov emphasized.