Azerbaijan's MFA hails Victory Day as symbol of national strength, unity

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry has hailed the fifth anniversary of Victory Day as a monumental date, symbolising the country’s strength, unity, and determination in restoring its territorial integrity following the 44-day Patriotic War.

In a statement dedicated to November 8, when the country marks the fifth anniversary of Victory Day, the Foreign Ministry stated that “this monumental date, etched into the hearts of Azerbaijanis, commemorates the glorious victory achieved during the 44-day Patriotic War and serves as an enduring symbol of national strength, determination, and unity,” Caliber.Az reports. 

The Ministry emphasised that under the “resolute leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief H.E. Ilham Aliyev, and with the unprecedented bravery of our armed forces, Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity was restored, bringing an end to nearly three decades of Armenia’s military occupation.”

The statement highlighted the significance of the Patriotic War, which culminated in the glorious victory of November 8, 2020 with the liberation of Shusha city - “the crown jewel of the Karabakh region and cultural capital of Azerbaijan,” calling it “a defining moment in our nation’s history.” 

The Ministry paid tribute to “the heroism of our martyrs and veterans, whose courage and sacrifice will forever be honored and celebrated.”

Reflecting on the progress made since the victory, the Ministry noted that “the past five years have witnessed an unprecedented chapter of transformation in our country.” It said that through the “Great Return” program, Azerbaijan has been “reviving the liberated lands,” with “cities and villages, once reduced to ruins, now rising from the ashes equipped with modern infrastructure, smart technologies, and green energy solutions.”

“The safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral homes stands as the ultimate goal and the greatest testament to the meaning of our Victory,” the statement said, describing the rebuilding efforts as a foundation for “a sustainable future for its inhabitants.”

The Ministry also reiterated Azerbaijan’s commitment to peace and cooperation in the South Caucasus, stating that the country “is now a steadfast advocate for sustainable peace and regional cooperation.” 

“For the sake of regional stability, cooperation, and sustainable development, Azerbaijan is actively engaged in the process of normalizing relations with the Republic of Armenia on the basis of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the statement noted. 

Moreover, the statement noted the historic significance of the Washington Summit held on August  8, 2025 between the leaders of Azerbaijan, the United States, and Armenia, emphasising that “translating the positive momentum generated by the Washington Summit into tangible progress will require genuine political will and constructive steps.”

“In this regard,” it said, “for a peace treaty to be signed, Armenia must fully eliminate the territorial claims against Azerbaijan enshrined in its constitution and respect the new regional realities on the ground.”

The Ministry concluded that “8 November – Victory Day stands as a powerful reminder of the strength and determination of Azerbaijan. It is a day to remember our triumphant history, but also to look forward to a future of prosperity and regional collaboration.” It added that “the resolute spirit of our nation in the face of adversity and the ironclad solidarity it forged during the war serve as a beacon for generations to come.”

“On this historic day, we solemnly commemorate and pay our deepest tribute to the courage and sacrifice of our martyrs and veterans, and the unity of our people. Happy Victory Day!” the statement concluded.

Separately, Spokesperson for Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry Aykhan Hajizada reaffirmed the national pride associated with the occasion, stating that the country “celebrates the glorious history of heroism – 8 November - Victory Day.”

“Under the leadership of the Victorious Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, this Victory stands as a triumph of our country’s sovereignty, justice, and international law,” Hajizada said on X. “This historic achievement embodies the spirit of national pride and restored justice in the heart of every Azerbaijani.”

Hajizada also noted that the nation honored with deep respect the cherished memory of its martyrs and paid tribute to the brave veterans who safeguarded the homeland. He extended heartfelt congratulations to the Azerbaijani people on the occasion of Victory Day, expressing the sentiment of “Long live Victorious Azerbaijan.”

By Sabina Mammadli