Azerbaijani ambassador praises ‘deepening’ ties with Jordan

AMMAN — Azerbaijani Ambassador to Jordan Eldar Salimov has praised the “deepening” ties between Jordan and Azerbaijan, describing their relationship as a “model” of bilateral cooperation.

He credited the growing partnership to the committed leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

Speaking during a ceremony on the occasion of the 102nd birth anniversary of Azerbaijan’s late president Heydar Aliyev, Salimov noted that the two countries have “significantly” accelerated their collaboration, especially in the last two years, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The ceremony, held by the Azerbaijani embassy in Amman, paid tribute to president Aliyev, widely regarded as the "National Leader of the Republic of Azerbaijan."

The diplomat stressed that the late president prioritised fostering “strong” ties with Middle Eastern countries, with Jordan playing a “key” role.

He recalled a “pivotal” meeting nearly three decades ago between His Majesty the late King Hussein and President Aliyev in Casablanca during an Islamic summit, calling it the starting point of the “enduring” friendship between the two nations.

Salimov highlighted Aliyev’s legacy as a statesman who laid the groundwork for Azerbaijan’s global diplomatic engagement, particularly with Arab and Islamic countries.

He also expressed appreciation for the Jordanian authorities and the Greater Amman Municipality for honouring Aliyev by naming a street in Amman’s New Bader neighbourhood after him, an act he described as a symbol of the “close and brotherly” ties between the two countries.

Describing Aliyev as a “visionary and devoted leader,” Salimov praised his commitment to Azerbaijan’s independence and development.

Under his leadership, the country underwent a “major” transformation and emerged as a “key” player in the international community, the diplomat said.

The ambassador reflected on Aliyev’s contributions, including advancing Azerbaijan’s economy, boosting its cultural identity, expanding education opportunities for youth, and initiating major infrastructure and industrial projects.

Born on May 10, 1923, Aliyev held senior positions during the Soviet era before guiding Azerbaijan to independence.

He became chairman of the Parliament in 1993, assumed presidential responsibilities, and was elected president in October of the same year, later securing re-election in 1998.