President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev announced on December 25 that he canceled his visit to Russian city of St. Petersburg due to the plane crash involving an Azerbaijani aircraft in Kazakhstan. According to the state-owned Azertac News Agency, Aliyev was already in the air when he made the decision to return home.
The tragic plane crash occurred on December 24, when an Azerbaijani cargo plane carrying seven crew members crashed near the city of Almaty in Kazakhstan. The plane was en route to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, when it went down in a rural area. Sadly, there were no survivors.
Upon hearing the devastating news, President Aliyev immediately took action and canceled his planned visit to St. Petersburg. The President was scheduled to participate in the Summit of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) in Russia, but he decided to put his country first and return home to address the situation.
In a statement, President Aliyev expressed his deep condolences to the families of the victims and declared a day of mourning in Azerbaijan. He also instructed the relevant government agencies to provide all necessary assistance to the families of the victims.
The President’s swift response and decision to cut short his trip to Russia demonstrate his strong leadership and commitment to his people. He prioritized the needs of his country over his own personal engagements, showing his dedication to the well-being of his citizens.
President Aliyev’s decision also showcases the close relationship and solidarity between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. The two countries have always maintained strong ties, and this tragic event has brought them even closer. Both countries have pledged to work together to investigate and determine the cause of the crash.
This is not the first time President Aliyev has shown his dedication to his people in times of crises. He has consistently demonstrated strong leadership and quick action in the face of challenges, whether it is natural disasters or terrorist attacks.
The cancellation of President Aliyev’s visit to St. Petersburg is a clear indication of his priorities as a leader and his unwavering commitment to his country. Despite the disappointment of not being able to attend the CIS Summit, President Aliyev put the needs of his people above all else, showing his true character and strength as a leader.
In conclusion, President Aliyev’s decision to cancel his trip to Russia shows his compassion and dedication to his country. His actions reflect his commitment to the well-being of his citizens and further strengthen the close relationship between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of the plane crash, and we stand in solidarity with the people of Azerbaijan during this difficult time.
