Numerous congratulations are coming from all over the world, from ordinary citizens to officials on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of Umud Mirzayev, Deputy Chairman of the Press Council of Azerbaijan, President of the International Eurasia Press Fund. Some of his close friends shared their congratulations on the Eurasia Diary website.
Uzbek historian and publicist Shohrat Barlas:
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"The word congratulations is a formality. The truth is that Umud Mirayev is a brave and honest man. He is a person who shows young people how to love the country, how to serve the nation.
Pakistani public figure, political analyst, international journalist Malik Ayyub Sumbal:
Dear Umud Mirzayev, I wish you a happy birthday. I wish you new success and happiness in life. On this day, when you celebrate your 60th birthday, I wish you good health, prosperity and all that is good in this life. I will always remember the days I spent in Baku and I will never forget his great respect, love and hospitality. Although I left shortly afterwards in 2016, it was a golden age for me to live with people I knew as natives. While living in Baku, I did not realise that I had been to the land of miracles.
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During that time, I observed many things, traveled to the border areas with you, and this motivated me to write a comprehensive book about Azerbaijan. My book 'From Tovuz to Karabakh' will go on sale in the next few weeks. I miss every moment I spend in Baku, Azerbaijan. I think over time, my attitude and love for Azerbaijan are growing stronger. During my stay in Azerbaijan, I saw his patriotism and unconditional love for Azerbaijan.
I remember being close to you at your parents' house while your father was alive. may his soul rest in peace! (Amen). I remember how he missed his house and village for Ashagi Abdurrahmanli, then I understood his love for his homeland. I think these were the most precious moments and I will try to include them in my future books. My relationship with Azerbaijan started with Umud Mirzayev (you). I am proud to be friends with you, I have found in you all the qualities of a big brother, teacher, leader. Happy birthday again and see you soon Insha'Allah.
Lithuanian military journalist Richardas Lapaitis:
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"Dear teacher Umud Mirzayev, I congratulate you with all my heart. You have been the best teacher in my life. Our roads crossed back in 1992. Over the years, I have come to know you as a person who keeps his word. You are a real man of your homeland. I am very glad to know you. Just because I know you, I visit Baku not as a guest, but as a person who comes to my home. I warmly embrace you, dear teacher. You are valuable and necessary for us. I congratulate you not only on my own behalf, but on behalf of all Baltic journalists, writers and cultural figures. Thank you so much for everything! ”
Arye Gut, head of the Israeli branch of the Baku International Centre for Multiculturalism:
Happy birthday my elder brother - Umud Mirzayev !! Today I talked to you on the phone and said my heartfelt words!!! Ashagi Abdurrahmanli, we were with Israeli journalists in your native village and showed the Armenian aggression to the leading media and television representatives in Israel !!
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We walked through the ruined village, saw the destroyed houses, schools, destroyed and deformed tombstones. This is terrible: Armenian snipers open fire even on the gravestones. The soldiers accompanying us instructed advised Umud to bend down. However, a brave man Umud Mirzayev does not bow down and stands in front of the grave, declaring that he will remain loyal to his land, the land of his great-grandfather, grandfather and father, his country and the people of Azerbaijan.
Your role here was undeniable !! Long live, long live, do many great works, great son of the Motherland who is always ready to support !! May God always give you strength and energy !! Long Live, dear Umud Mirzayev !!
Linh Tong, a former Vietnamese student at ADA University:
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"Happy birthday, dear teacher Umud Mirzayev. Thank you for being such a wonderful leader during my time at the IEPF. Thanks to you and the IEPF, I had the opportunity to visit Agdam and Tartar and see with my own eyes how the war affected people's lives. You have also been a source of inspiration by caring for me as a friend, a dear father, sharing your knowledge of culture and history. I wish you all the best, especially health and success. I hope to see you again. "
Elmira Tukhvatullina, a well-known Uzbek TV journalist and host of the TV programme "Everything about Tourism":
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"Dear Umud Mirzayev! Thanks to you, I had the opportunity to discover this wonderful, hospitable country with my colleagues and friends, to understand its mood and spirit. Despite your busy schedule, as the president of such an influential organisation International Eurasia Press Fund, what you did was somewhat surprising for Uzbek journalists: you showed, spoke, explained. We travelled hundreds of kilometers with you! When we came for the second time, you took the time to meet us and pay tribute to us and Uzbekistan. We remember an unforgettable walk along the coast and farewell night on the Caspian coast. I remember one detail: it was late, we were all returning to the hotel a little tired, and on the way we were enchanted by the car window and looking at the city, which was brightened with lights! By the way, those miraculous views were included in our TV programme ... Now I know that we have a real, good friend in Baku! Dear Umud Mirzayev, I wish you good health, good mood, inexhaustible energy and, of course, prosperity and well-being to all of Azerbaijan in your personality! Happy Birthday to You!"
