A commemoration ceremony dedicated to the memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev was held at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States.

The event was attended by staff of the Embassy, Azerbaijani government officials visiting the U.S., members of the Azerbaijani community living in the country, as well as Azerbaijani students studying at various universities.

The ceremony began with a one-minute moment of silence in memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev.

Afterwards, Khazar Ibrahim, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United States, delivered an opening speech, noting that his diplomatic career began in the U.S. and that he personally witnessed the work carried out by the National Leader to deepen relations between the two countries. He stated that a new stage in bilateral relations began after the August 8 meeting in Washington, D.C. but the foundation of these relations was laid by the National Leader Heydar Aliyev.

Ambassador Hafiz Pashayev, Rector of ADA University, spoke about the complex political processes taking place during his tenure as Azerbaijan’s first ambassador to the United States, and the efforts made to develop bilateral relations thanks to Heydar Aliyev’s visionary policies. He discussed Heydar Aliyev’s visits to the United States in 1994, 1997, and 1999, the preparation process for these visits, and the positive impression Heydar Aliyev left on U.S. politicians. He emphasized that the National Leader was a strong diplomat who loved his homeland, and that the success of Azerbaijan’s diplomacy today originates from that period.

Parviz Shahbazov, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan, delivered remarks, stating that since gaining independence, the work carried out by Azerbaijan in all fields—especially in the energy and oil-gas sectors—has been of great significance. According to him, implementing oil and gas projects in a complex geopolitical and geoeconomic environment and in a challenging region was not an easy task. He noted that the oil agreements that played an exceptional role in Azerbaijan’s development were realized within the framework of cooperation with the United States. The Minister added that the National Leader attached great importance to relations with the U.S., and thanks to this, major international energy agreements were signed and brought to life.

Samad Seyidov, Member of the National Assembly and Head of the Azerbaijan-U.S. Interparliamentary Working Group, stated that as a result of Heydar Aliyev’s policies, the expansion of relations with the United States also opened the doors of Europe for Azerbaijan. He emphasized that relations with the U.S. and the agreements signed were among the greatest achievements of the National Leader, and that this policy is successfully continued today by President Ilham Aliyev. He added that Azerbaijan’s current success is closely tied to the President’s policies and the philosophy of the National Leader.

At the end of the event, a documentary film titled "İz" (Trace), dedicated to National Leader Heydar Aliyev and prepared at the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, was screened.

Finally, in the university foyer, a photo exhibition featuring Heydar Aliyev’s visits to the United States and his participation in bilateral meetings was presented to the attendees.