Tazeen Akhtar
The Republic of Azerbaijan is celebrating the Victory Day, 08 Nov when the state won the war imposed by neighboring Armenia on 27 Sep 2020 but ended by Azerbaijan coming out victorious with most of illegally occupied territories of Karabakh/Garabagh that is Azerbaijan now.
The Embassy in Islamabad also marked the day with befitting celebration. Mr. & Mrs Khazar Nadir Oglu Farhadov, Ambassador of Azerbaijan with Defense Attache and staff hosted a glorious reception for friends in Islamabad on 06 Nov 2024 to pay homage to the martyrs of the motherland who sacrificed their precious lives in Second Karabakh War and share their firm resolve of safeguarding their people and the state against any foreign aggression.
It was a big and well attended reception with representation from all walks of life including the gov and armed forces, parliamentarians, diplomatic community, businessmen, civil society and media persons.Federal Minister Housing & Works , Riaz Hussain Pirzada was chief guest. Coordinator to PM on Climate Change, Ms Romina Khushid Alam, Governors of two provinces, KPK and Sindh were also present.
The Minister and Governors expressed their solidarity with the people and government of Azerbaijan in their discussions with the Ambassador in the reception.
Minister in his keynote address, spoke highly on bilateral relations and cooperation in various sectors. He mentioned the recent high level bilateral visits of President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have accelerated already present close, cordial, historical relations into meaningful economic cooperation.
He said, ” Both nations have always supported each other in every situation that reflects the strength of our mutual bonds. The trajectory of cooperation is going upward and we have great potential to achieve milestones in different spheres including trade and energy.
Mr. Riaz Hussain Pirzada appreciated Azerbaijan’s support on Jammu Kashmir dispute. He mentioned the role of Azerbaijan in contact group of OIC in this regard. He said that Pakistan supported Azerbaijan for stability in the region that is necessary for the well being of the people.
Ambassador in his welcome address, shed light on the day. He said, “Today, we stand united in pride as we celebrate November 8, the Victory Day of Azerbaijan. This day holds profound significance not only for the honor of our nation but also for the future we are building. It is a symbol of resilience, strength, and the unyielding spirit of Azerbaijan.”
“Since our earliest days of independence, our nation has faced enormous challenges. We were subjected to military aggression, occupation, ethnic cleansing, and genocide by Armenia. Nearly one million of our people became refugees and internally displaced persons, yet we never lost our resolve. We stood by our commitment to peace, but we made it clear: Azerbaijan would never accept the occupation of its lands, H.E Farhadov continued.
On September 27, 2020, this resolve was tested again. Armenia launched attacks on Azerbaijani civilians and military positions from multiple directions, using heavy artillery and other weaponry. In response to this provocation, Azerbaijan began a counter-offensive, a Patriotic War for the freedom and integrity of our homeland. Under the visionary and determined leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Victorious Army of Azerbaijan defended our people and the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.
On September 19-20, 2023, Azerbaijani forces undertook local anti-terrorist measures to end the presence of illegal Armenian forces in Garabagh, restoring full sovereignty over our territories within just 24 hours. This decisive action has created unprecedented opportunities for lasting peace and stability in the region.
Azerbaijan continues to call on Armenia to embrace a constructive approach to peace, recognizing the new realities of the region. “We upheld the principles of international law, reaffirmed our territorial integrity, and brought long-overdue justice by implementing United Nations Security Council resolutions that had been ignored for decades. This victory allowed us to fulfill our promise to return our internally displaced people to their rightful homes, Ambassador noted.
H.E Farhadov expressed his gratitude to Pakistan for consistent support during the hard days of aggression against Azerbaijan. He shared, “We are deeply grateful to the countries that stood with us, and today I must highlight the steadfast support of our brothers and sisters in Pakistan. Throughout the Second Karabakh War, Pakistan’s leaders voiced unequivocal support for Azerbaijan’s just cause, strengthening our determination. Pakistan has consistently honored our friendship, even refusing to establish diplomatic relations with Armenia due to the occupation of our lands.”
On recent high level visits between the two countries, the Ambassador said, “In recent years, a number of agreements were signed during the high level visits of the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Azerbaijan and the President of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, along with increased trade volume, the launch of direct flights, joint investment projects, and Pakistan’s planned high-level participation at COP29, make a significant contribution to the growth of our multifaceted cooperation.”
Mr. Farhadov expressed that our victory was not the end of the story; it was the beginning of a new chapter. True to our principles, Azerbaijan immediately launched peace initiatives and began large-scale restoration work in the liberated territories. We introduced the Great Return Program, developing smart villages with green energy concept to allow our displaced citizens to return home with dignity.
Fourth Anniversary of the Great Victory of Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan is hosting COP29 on 11 Nov 2024. The Ambassador apprised the guest about that as well. He said, “Environmental stewardship and the fight against climate change are also at the heart of our national agenda. Azerbaijan is honored to be hosting COP29 in 2024, one of the largest environmental conferences in the world, underscoring the global respect and trust our nation has earned. In a significant move demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability, Azerbaijan has declared 2024 as the “Green World Solidarity Year.”
“As we celebrate this day of triumph, let us honor with the deepest respect and gratitude our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan’s independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty. Their courage and their love for Azerbaijan live on in each of us, inspiring us to carry forward their legacy, Ambassador concluded.
Special documentaries about second karabakh/Garabagh war, Azerbaijani struggle for independence and resolve for safety of the people were screened in the reception. President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership that led the state to impregnable defense and prosperous future was also highlighted in the documentaries.
At food side, Azerbaijani dishes were available alongside other cuisine for the taste of the guests.
Pakistan in the World – Sep / Oct 2024
