Co-organized by Azerbaijan’s Presidential Administration, Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the event brought together public and political figures, and intelectuals of Azerbaijan and Russia.

Executive director of the Heydar Aliyev Center Anar Alakbarov hailed the importance of the exhibition, saying the Center and the Foundation have always supported the projects aimed at strengthening Azerbaijan-Russia relations. Anar Alakbarov underlined what President Ilham Aliyev, president of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva, and vice-president of the Foundation Leyla Aliyeva have done in this regard.

Chief of the Russian Presidential Directorate for Interregional Relations and Cultural Contacts with Foreign Countries Vladimir Chernov read out Russian President Vladimir Putin’s message to the event participants. In his message, President Putin underlined Azerbaijani national leader Heydar Aliyev’s political wisdom and vision, saying Heydar Aliyev had a great influence not only on his compatriots but also on the entire world.

The Azerbaijani President’s message to event participants was read out by the President’s Assistant for Public and Political Affairs Ali Hasanov. Addressing the event, Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Ilyas Umakhanov described Heydar Aliyev as a legendary politician who played a unique role Azerbaijan`s development. He noted that the exhibition demonstrates the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Russia, adding that relations between the two countries are based on mutual respect, friendly neighborliness and friendship.

In his remarks, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Grigori Karasin hailed the unique qualities, experience and huge potential of national leader Heydar Aliyev. He noted that the national leader, whose political line is today continued by President Ilham Aliyev, attached particular importance to relations with Russia. Following the speeches, the opening ceremony of the exhibition was held. The exhibition features over 300 exhibits, including photos, documents, and video material in six sections.