President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev announced on December 25 that he had cancelled his visit to Saint Petersburg, Russia due to the airline crash in Kazakhstan involving an Azerbaijan aircraft. He had to return immediately after learning the news while he was already in the air. This information was reported by the state-run Azertac News Agency.
The President was on his way to Saint Petersburg to attend the Russia-Azerbaijan-Turkey trilateral meeting, which was scheduled to take place on December 26. However, upon hearing about the tragic incident, President Aliyev made a swift decision to cancel his visit and head back to Azerbaijan.
The Azerbaijan aircraft, operated by the Silk Way company, was carrying 5 crew members and 7 passengers, including 3 Kazakh citizens and 4 citizens of Azerbaijan. The plane crashed shortly after takeoff from the Almaty airport, killing all 12 people on board.
President Aliyev expressed his deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the crash. He also declared a day of mourning in Azerbaijan in remembrance of the victims.
The President’s decision to cancel his visit to Saint Petersburg was met with understanding and support from the officials of Russia and Kazakhstan. They praised his swift action and expressed their solidarity with Azerbaijan during this difficult time.
President Aliyev’s decision showcases his strong leadership and sense of responsibility towards his people. It is a testament to his dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of the citizens of Azerbaijan.
The cancellation of the visit to Saint Petersburg does not affect the strong and friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Russia. The two countries have been strategic partners for many years, with a strong cooperation in various fields such as energy, transportation, and defense.
President Aliyev’s visit to Russia was highly anticipated, as it was expected to strengthen the ties between the two countries even further. However, the tragic accident has shown that the safety and security of its people is always the top priority for Azerbaijan.
The President’s decision to cancel his visit and return to Azerbaijan also demonstrates his sincere empathy and compassion towards the families of the victims. It is a gesture of respect and solidarity towards those who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate event.
Despite the unfortunate circumstances, it is important to note that the aviation industry in Azerbaijan has always been held to high standards of safety and security. The country has a strong track record of maintaining a safe and reliable air transportation system, with continuous efforts to improve and enhance its capabilities.
In conclusion, President Aliyev’s prompt decision to cancel his visit to Saint Petersburg and return to Azerbaijan after the airline crash shows his strong leadership and dedication to the safety and well-being of the citizens of Azerbaijan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims, and we hope for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of this tragic incident.
