13.11.2024

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has received Azerbaijani literary scholar and poet Akif Bagirov at his residence in Baku.

Also known under the pseudonym Akif Azalp, the poet was born in Nakhchivan, but spent a significant part of his life in Uzbekistan. He devoted himself to introducing Uzbek literature to the Azerbaijani people and translated many works by Uzbek poets and writers into Azerbaijani. Recently, he translated the book “Vaqt haykali” by famous Uzbek poet Sirojiddin Sayyid. Bagirov became widely known for his ballad “Uzbek Kelayotir” inspired by the glorious history of our nation and achievements of Uzbekistan in recent years, especially reforms led by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

During the meeting, Akif Bagirov presented to the President of Uzbekistan the book “The Phenomenon of Shavkat Mirziyoyev” prepared by him in Azerbaijani language, as a sign of deep respect and gratitude.

The book “The Phenomenon of Shavkat Mirziyoyev” is a collection of journalistic essays selected from the books “Mening Presidentitim” and “Millatparvar” by political scientist Kudratilla Rafikov and translated into Azerbaijani by the poet. It is devoted to the main reforms and changes ongoing in Uzbekistan under the leadership of the President. It highlights key areas of Shavkat Mirziyoyev's policy, including economic development, modernization of infrastructure, improvement of social sphere and growth of Uzbekistan's authority in the international arena.

The President expressed gratitude to the poet for his contribution to popularizing Uzbek literature in Azerbaijan and strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.