Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Serbia Tomislav Nikolic attended a ceremony to unveil a monument to outstanding Serbian scientist Nikola Tesla

A monument to the great son of the Serbian people, outstanding scientist Nikola Tesla has been unveiled in the center of Baku.

The ceremony was attended by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, his wife Mehriban Aliyeva, President of the Republic of Serbia Tomislav Nikolic and his wife Dragica Nikolic.

Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Tomislav Nikolic unveiled the monument and laid flowers at it.

Flowers were also laid at the monument by First Lady of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva and First Lady of Serbia Dragica Nikolic.

It was noted that the authors of the monument, erected in a park at the intersection of Azadlig Avenue and Suleyman Rahimov Street in the center of the capital, are People's Artist and sculptor Omar Eldarov and architect Sanan Salamzadeh.

The height of the bronze monument together with the pedestal is 3.3 meters. The monument has been erected against the background of a decorative panel depicting one of the major inventions of the outstanding scientist – the alternating current generator. The park where the monument is erected has been landscaped and made suitable for the recreation of the townspeople.

President Ilham Aliyev, his wife Mehriban Aliyeva, President Tomislav Nikolic and his wife Dragica Nikolic were photographed with the monument in the background.

Then the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Serbia addressed the ceremony.

Remarks by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev

- Dear Mr. President,

Dear Mrs. Nikolic,

Dear friends and guests.

It is a very significant day in the history of Serbian-Azerbaijani relations today. A monument to the great son of the Serbian people and outstanding scientist Nikola Tesla is being unveiled in Baku today. I sincerely congratulate all of you on this occasion. I am very happy that there is a monument to the distinguished scientist and inventor Nikola Tesla in Baku too. Nikola Tesla made a huge contribution to global science, and his memory is revered all over the world.

This ceremony today is being attended by guests from Serbia and Azerbaijani scientists. This location, this park is already a park of Serbian-Azerbaijani friendship. In general, the monuments to outstanding representatives of the Serbian and Azerbaijani people erected in Serbia and Azerbaijan bind our peoples and countries even more closely together. A year and a half ago, monuments to nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev and prominent Serbian writer Milorad Pavic were erected in Belgrade. I am very glad that traces of Azerbaijani architects are already visible in the place where these monuments are located – the famous Tasmajdan Park. And there is a bust of brilliant Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibayli in the city of Novi Sad. While visiting Novi Sad, I became acquainted with the work done there and was captivated by the beauty of the coastal park restored on the part of Azerbaijan.

I want to reiterate that these momentous events are a sign of respect of both peoples and states for outstanding representatives of other nations, as well as evidence of the Serbian-Azerbaijani friendship. The unveiling of a monument to Nikola Tesla during an official visit of the President of Serbia to Azerbaijan certainly adds value to this event.
Today, Serbian-Azerbaijani relations are undergoing a period of development. The talks and exchange of views my colleague and I have had today demonstrate again that our two countries are very close to each other. We are partners and friends, and this visit will further strengthen our friendship. The agenda of our bilateral relations is very broad and, of course, covers political, economic and social issues. Among them particularly important is the cooperation in the humanitarian sphere. I would like our cooperation in the areas of science, culture and art to develop as well. I believe that the unveiling of this monument in Baku is an important step in this direction. This monument, located in the center of Baku, in this historic part of the city, and this park are actually a monument to the Serbian-Azerbaijani friendship. I am sure that the Serbs living in Baku and, of course, local people coming here will establish even closer relations and friendship with each other here.

Dear friends, I congratulate you again on this wonderful occasion. Thank you.

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Remarks by President of the Republic of Serbia Tomislav Nikolic

- Your Excellency Mr. President,

Dear Mrs. Aliyeva,

Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends.

The Hatt-i Sharif Declaration, which brought Serbia independence, freedom and faith, was read out in Tasmajdan Square in 1830. It was in this park that prince Milos was proclaimed the leader of the country. This historical legacy in one of the most beautiful parks is further enriched by monument to nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev and writer Milorad Pavic. The park is decorated with uniquely attractive fountains. In the evening, the music, the water and a variety of flowers in this whole complex look very impressive. The aquacade imparts a special beauty to this area. This is where monuments to Heydar Aliyev and Milorad Pavic are erected, and the people of Belgrade always gather there.
By erecting a monument to the world famous scientist, the Azerbaijani people show their respect for someone whose inventions brought innovation and illumined our daily lives. The scientific discoveries of the prominent scholar are considered breakthrough achievements of entire mankind. His accomplishments are universally regarded as the work of a great Serbian. There can be no greater honor than visiting a friendly country and standing with its head at a monument to the most famous scientist of your people. We are honored to be fellow countrymen of great Nikola Tesla and are proud that his achievements belong to all mankind.

As a sign of respect for the great scientist and Serbia, Azerbaijan has erected a monument to Nikola Tesla in such a beautiful location. We believe that this park will become a popular place for the people of Baku and they will be coming here just as the people of Belgrade are coming to the park where a monument to Heydar Aliyev is erected. The monuments to the great sons of our two nations are becoming part of our common history. On behalf of the citizens of Serbia, we express our gratitude to you.

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Then a picture was taken.

The President of Serbia and his wife expressed their gratitude to the author of the monument, Omar Eldarov.