On December 25th, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev announced that due to the plane crash with an Azerbaijani aircraft in Kazakhstan, he had cancelled his visit to Saint Petersburg, Russia and returned home while still in the air. This was reported by the state Azertac News Agency.
The planned visit was in order to attend the 18th session of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of CIS member states. However, President Aliyev had to make a change of plans and immediately return to Azerbaijan.
The plane crash, which occurred near Almaty, Kazakhstan, claimed the lives of seven crew members and six passengers, all of whom were citizens of Kazakhstan. The incident is still under investigation and both Azerbaijani and Kazakh governments have extended their condolences to the victims’ families.
Upon his return, President Aliyev expressed his deep sorrow for the tragedy and conveyed his sympathy to the families of the victims. He also stated that the safety of his people and their well-being is his top priority, and that it was his duty to be present during this difficult time.
This unfortunate event has not only affected the President’s schedule, but also serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety of air travel. The Azerbaijani government has always taken measures to guarantee the highest standards of aviation safety and will continue to do so in the future.
President Aliyev’s quick decision to return home is a testament to his dedication to his country and his people. He showed true leadership in prioritizing the well-being of his citizens above all else. This action demonstrates his strong character and unwavering commitment to his responsibilities as a leader.
The cancellation of the planned visit to Saint Petersburg was a necessary step in light of the tragic plane crash. However, President Aliyev still intends to maintain positive relationships with neighboring countries and participate in important events that promote cooperation and unity within the CIS community.
In conclusion, the decision made by President Aliyev to return home after the plane crash in Kazakhstan shows his compassion and strength as a leader. The safety and well-being of his people are always at the top of his agenda, and this incident only serves to reinforce his commitment to his responsibilities. The people of Azerbaijan can take comfort in knowing that their leader has their best interests at heart.
