President Shavkat Mirziyoyev Meets Azerbaijani Literary Critic and Poet Akif Baghirov in Baku

Baku, The Gulf Observer: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev welcomed renowned Azerbaijani literary critic and poet Akif Baghirov, known by his pen name Akif Azalp, at the residence assigned to him in Baku. Baghirov, originally from Nakhichevan but long based in Uzbekistan, has dedicated himself to bridging Azerbaijani and Uzbek literature by translating numerous works of Uzbek poets and authors into Azerbaijani. Recently, he completed the translation of Statue of Time by Sirajiddin Sayyid, enhancing literary ties between the two nations. His admiration for Uzbekistan’s achievements inspired his ode Uzbek Kelatir, celebrating Uzbekistan’s rich heritage and recent progress under President Mirziyoyev’s leadership.

During the meeting, Baghirov presented President Mirziyoyev with his latest work, Shavkat Mirziyoyev Phenomenon, in Azerbaijani. This book, a collection of journalistic essays from Qudratilla Rafikov’s books My President and Millatparvar, highlights the transformative reforms President Mirziyoyev has brought to Uzbekistan, focusing on economic modernization, social advancements, and the strengthening of Uzbekistan’s global presence.

President Mirziyoyev expressed his gratitude to Baghirov for his contributions to promoting Uzbek literature in Azerbaijan and strengthening cultural ties between the two countries, underlining the significant role of literature in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation across borders.