Mr Aliyev was a long-time member of the International Energy Charter family having visited the Secretariat in Brussels as recently as 2015. Mr Aliyev was deeply involved in the 25th Meeting of the Energy Charter Conference in 2014 and he was visited by Secretary General Dr Urban Rusnák in October 2016 to discuss transit issues for the region. Minister Aliyev was a genuine leader and a trustful partner in all endeavours. He was a veteran of the energy sector and a wise mentor. He will be sadly missed.