Also known by his pen name Akif Azalp, the poet was born in Nakhchivan, but spent much of his life in Uzbekistan. He devoted himself to introducing the Azerbaijani people to Uzbek literature and translated many works by Uzbek poets and writers into Azerbaijani. He recently translated the book “Vaqt Haykali” (The Statue of Time) by the famous Uzbek poet Sirojiddin Sayyid. Bagirov gained wide fame thanks to his ballad “Uzbek Kelayotir” (Uzbek is Coming), inspired by the glorious history of Uzbekistan people and the achievements of the country in recent years, especially the reforms led by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

At the meeting, Akif Bagirov presented the President of Uzbekistan with the book “The Phenomenon of Shavkat Mirziyoyev”, which he had prepared in the Azerbaijani language, as a sign of deep respect and gratitude.

The book “The Phenomenon of Shavkat Mirziyoyev” is a collection of publicistic essays selected from the books of political scientist Kudratilla Rafikov “My President” and “Patriot”, and translated by the poet into the Azerbaijani language. It is dedicated to the main reforms and changes taking place in Uzbekistan under the leadership of the President. It highlights the key areas of Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s policy, including economic development, infrastructure modernization, social sphere improvement, and Uzbekistan’s authority in the international arena.

The President expressed gratitude to the poet for his contribution to popularizing Uzbek literature in Azerbaijan and strengthening cultural ties between the two countries.