Azerbaijani Embassy to Council of Europe hosts celebration of Patriotic War Victory PHOTO

On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of Azerbaijan’s historic victory in the Patriotic War, the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Council of Europe organised a ceremonial event in Strasbourg.

The ceremony was attended by Azerbaijani compatriots living in Strasbourg and nearby regions of France. The event began with the playing of the Azerbaijani national anthem, followed by a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Speaking to the attendees, the Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to the Council of Europe, Ambassador Fakhraddin Ismayilov, noted that the glorious victory achieved in the 44-day Patriotic War has become an enduring symbol of the national strength and unity of the Azerbaijani people. He recalled that during nearly 30 years of occupation, the Azerbaijani people faced a severe historical trial, yet neither injustice nor suffering could break their will or diminish their faith in returning to their homeland in Karabakh.

The ambassador emphasized that in the 44-day Patriotic War, which began on September 27, 2020, under the decisive leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Ilham Aliyev, thanks to the heroism of the Azerbaijani army, the selflessness of the martyrs, and the unbreakable unity of the people, justice was restored and the occupation was ended.

Fakhraddin Ismayilov added that in September 2023, under the leadership of Supreme Commander Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces once again demonstrated their valor, completely eliminating Armenian separatism on Azerbaijani lands.

The diplomat also highlighted the large-scale reconstruction and development work carried out over the past five years in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur, noting that thousands of former internally displaced persons have already returned to their native regions. Today, more than 60,000 compatriots live, work, and study in the liberated territories.

The event concluded with a musical performance by Azerbaijani musician Kamran Karalov and video presentations dedicated to Victory Day.

By Khagan Isayev