Lt. Gen.: Russian, Azerbaijani defence ministries enhance security in South Caucasus

Russian Deputy Defence Minister, Lieutenant General Alexander Fomin has said that the interaction between the Russian and Azerbaijani defence ministries is progressively developing, contributing to the strengthening of security in the South Caucasus and the Caspian region.

Fomin made these remarks at an event on the occasion of June 26 - the Day of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, Caliber.Az reports citing the local media.

He noted that the Azerbaijani and Russian peoples are bound by centuries-old ties of close friendship and a common heroic history.

“The defence of the homeland has always been considered an honourable duty and, at the same time, a sacred obligation from time immemorial. Those who have dedicated themselves to this demanding profession, guided by the call of their hearts, have always earned well-deserved respect and served as examples to emulate,” he added.

“Azerbaijan is a strategic partner of Russia. Our peoples are bound by centuries-old ties of close friendship and a common heroic history. Azerbaijan is a country with an independent foreign policy. The service in the armed forces not only is an honourable duty but also a calling. Ensuring military security for any country becomes paramount amid unstable international conditions. On behalf of the Russian defence ministry and the minister, I would like to congratulate you and wish you success and to all of us, peace, goodness, health, and prosperity,” Fomin said.

Azerbaijan commemorated the 106th anniversary of its Armed Forces on June 26. Established by the Council of Ministers of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic on June 26, 1918, the first regular military unit, known as a separate Azerbaijani corps, marked a significant milestone. The national army, in collaboration with the Caucasian Islamic Army under Nuru Pasha's leadership, achieved its initial military success on September 15 by liberating Baku and its surrounding regions from Armenian Bolshevik occupation.

Following the occupation of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the Bolshevik government disbanded the National Army in April 1920. On May 22, 1998, Azerbaijani national leader Heydar Aliyev declared June 26 as Armed Forces Day. A crowning achievement for the Azerbaijani army during this period was its decisive victory in the 44-day second Karabakh war.