On November 12, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a meeting with several newly appointed regional officials, including Jeyhun Jalilov, who was named Presidential Representative to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, and the new heads of the Nasimi (Baku), Balakan, Goychay, Gakh, Goygol, and Kurdamir district executive authorities.
“Serve the People and Stay Close to Them”
During the meeting, President Aliyev underscored that the newly appointed officials have been entrusted with significant responsibility and must always place public service above personal interest.
“You are being appointed to leadership positions in different regions of our country. This is a great trust, and I am confident you will justify it. The main principle must be to serve the people and stay close to them. Every official must be modest and behave with dignity – both in office and in daily life. No government official has the right to show arrogance or engage in corruption.”
The president stressed that any instances of bribery or abuse of power would be met with strict accountability, urging the new appointees to form teams of “trustworthy, professional, and morally upright” staff.
“If anyone ever gives you an illegal instruction, report it to me immediately. No unlawful act will go unpunished,” Aliyev warned.
Infrastructure, Employment, and Environment as Priorities
President Aliyev noted that over the past years, Azerbaijan has completed most major infrastructure projects across the regions:
Electricity and water supply have been fully stabilized;
Around 70–80% of rural roads have been renovated;
Dozens of schools, hospitals, and sports facilities have been built;
New irrigation and water storage projects are underway;
Environmental improvements continue nationwide.
He emphasized that the next priority for local authorities must be job creation and support for entrepreneurship, noting that employment and rural development are key to reducing migration from regions to major cities.
“You must be attentive to people’s concerns, visit villages, speak to citizens, and understand their needs. Only by being among the people can you earn their trust,” the president said.
Pledges from the Newly Appointed Officials
The newly appointed leaders expressed gratitude to President Aliyev for his trust and promised to carry out his directives with integrity and dedication.
Presidential Representative to Nakhchivan Jeyhun Jalilov stated:
“The development of all Azerbaijani regions, including Nakhchivan, is the result of your constant attention and care. We will do everything to justify your confidence and fulfill your instructions on time and in full.”
Other district heads – Orkhan Mursalov, Vugar Novruzov, Natig Aghayev, Elkhan Ibrahimov, Elvin Pashayev, and Elshan Hasanli – also pledged to serve the country with “honor and responsibility” and to ensure the effective implementation of state programs in their regions.
“I wish you success,” President Aliyev concluded.
