Azerbaijan confidently looks to the future
H.E. Mr. Yashar Aliyev, Ambassador of Azerbaijan
Text: Martina Hošková and M. Zisso; Photo: Archive
You arrived in the Czech Republic about six months ago. What are your impressions so far?
The beauty, rich history, and culture of the Czech Republic are truly awe-inspiring. I’m grateful for the warm welcome I have received, and can feel the kindness with which the Czech people treat us. I hope we will be able to expand and strengthen our bilateral relations in the coming years.
How many countries have you served in so far?
Most of my diplomatic career has been connected to the United States. For over fifteen years – interrupted by brief intervals – I led Azerbaijan’s Mission to the United Nations in New York, and I also served for five years as my country’s Ambassador to the United States in Washington, D.C.
What, in your opinion, is the most difficult part of being an ambassador?
Diplomacy is a very delicate business that works 24/7. One must be tactful yet firm, and often persistent yet flexible. But perhaps the hardest part is living far from home, far from family, relatives, and close friends.
H.E. Mr. Yashar Aliyev, Ambassador of Azerbaijan and H.E. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
Fortunately, technology has advanced, and staying in touch over long distances is much easier, nowadays. Diplomacy indeed is a delicate business, so can you help and give a piece of advice to the next generation of ambassadors?
The most important thing, in my view, is to love your country and understand why you chose this career. A diplomat must realise that they do not belong to themselves, that they instead represent their people and their government. It’s a high duty. One must strive for excellence in everything, always.
You are the son of Teymur Elchin. Can you tell us a bit about your father?
My father, Teymur Elchin, was both a prominent public figure and a philologist and thinker. He wrote poetry for children, lyrics for songs, and translated verses from other languages. He treated language and words with great care. At 32 years old, he was also the first chairman of the National Television Corporation. Beside him always stood my mother, Leyla Juvarlinskaya, a professor of economics. This unique partnership between two highly professional and fine individuals, deeply devoted to Azerbaijani history, culture, and values, shaped us all – myself, my three sisters, and our children.
Azerbaijan can offer a lot to travellers. How do you promote your country as a holiday destination?
Thank you for this question. The results speak for themselves – Azerbaijan has become a modern, tourist-friendly country. It combines well-preserved historical sites, unique, centuries-old culture, and stunning and diverse nature (we have nine out of eleven climate zones) with the conveniences of a 21st century infrastructure.
This prosperity was built on the foundations laid by the great Heydar Aliyev, who restored order in Azerbaijan and set the economy of the newly independent country on the right track. His work is continued by President Ilham Aliyev, under whose leadership Azerbaijan confidently looks to the future and is open to cooperation with all countries.
We succeeded in restoring our territorial integrity, and today, before our eyes, Karabakh is transforming into one of the most prosperous regions in the world.
H.E. Mr. Yashar Aliyev, Ambassador of Azerbaijan
On the occasion of your national day, what wishes do you have for your country and for the Czech Republic?
What can one wish for their country? Peace, prosperity, continued development, and regional stability. Naturally, we wish the same for our dear Czech friends. I hope and believe we will continue to develop and strengthen our bilateral relations for the benefit of both our nations.