: His "Contract of the Century" and strategic energy policies provided the economic backbone that allowed the "free and independent" nation to flourish.
: It underpins the shift toward a democratic, legal, and secular state, characterized by market reforms and international integration. Legacy in Modern Azerbaijan
Heydar Aliyev returned to power in June 1993 during a period of extreme civil strife, economic collapse, and military setbacks. His leadership is credited with stabilizing the nation and securing its independence.
: The quote encapsulates the transition from a Soviet "administrative-economic unit" to a fully independent nation capable of self-determination.