Historical background to the document "Opening and Closing Speech of Heydar Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, at the International Conference on Restoration of the Historic Silk Route Held in Baku (September 8-9, 1998)"


Favorable geographical position of the Republic of Azerbaijan located on one of the key points of this transport corridor, and most importantly, Heydar Aliyev`s diplomatic efforts and foreign policy on the integration into the world community greatly contributed to the implementation of TRACECA project.

The idea of the implementation of TRACECA project reached its peak in the International Conference dedicated to the restoration of the historical Silk Road held in Baku, Azerbaijan, on 8-9 September, 1998. Authorized representatives of 32 countries and 13 international organizations signed an important document “on the major multilateral agreement on the development of European-Caucasian-Asian transport corridor” (“Major Agreement”)reflecting the technical and economic issues of the implementation of the European-Caucasian-Asian transport corridor. Heydar Aliyev rendered priceless services in signing the agreement.

“90 Instants of the Great leader”, Heydar Aliyev Heritage research center, “Sharq-Qarb”, Baku-2013, p.131