Victory as national strategy Analysis of Aliyev’s speech at the military parade

Today’s speech by the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, at the military parade in Baku was more than just a ceremonial address marking the fifth anniversary of the Victory in the Patriotic War of autumn 2020. It was a powerful political message — a culmination of a five-year journey and, at the same time, a declaration of the strategic course of a state confidently moving forward as a victor.

The parade, where alongside Azerbaijani troops stood servicemen from brotherly Türkiye and Pakistan, symbolised that the 2020 Victory was not merely a military triumph. It became the starting point of a new forward movement for Azerbaijan, both politically and economically, and a revival of national pride.

The president’s speech highlighted the key components of the success that the country achieved after decades of trials. Aliyev recalled that the tragedy of the early 1990s — the loss of about 20 per cent of the territory, hundreds of thousands of refugees, destroyed cities and villages, and the Khojaly genocide — did not break the will of the people. Despite pressure, Azerbaijan maintained faith in justice and in its capacity for revival. This faith, according to the President, was transformed into a strategy — a consistent strengthening of the state, the development of the army, economic growth, and the nurturing of a new generation for whom homeland and honour are not just words.

Five years ago, this strategy produced its decisive result. Aliyev emphasised that the victory was neither accidental nor the outcome of a sudden impulse — it was inevitable. Since 2003, from the moment Ilham Aliyev was first elected President of Azerbaijan, the country has been purposefully strengthening all foundations of its statehood. Azerbaijan achieved economic independence, gained political weight on the international stage, and ensured internal stability and unity between the government and the people. It was precisely this consolidation that made it possible to endure the difficult path to victory, when diplomatic efforts bore no fruit and the occupation, supported by external forces, dragged on for decades.

A special place in the President’s speech was given to the role of allies and brotherly countries. The presence of the President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, on the reviewing stand underscored the unique nature of relationships based on trust, mutual support, and shared values. Aliyev deliberately recalled that during the decisive days of the Second Karabakh War, Erdoğan’s words, “Azerbaijan is not alone, Türkiye is beside you,” were not merely a political statement but a moral shield for the entire Azerbaijani people. The signing of the Shusha Declaration in 2021 further cemented the allied level of relations, transforming the Turkish–Azerbaijani brotherhood into a strategic factor for regional stability and security.

“President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan provided support to Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani people, and the Azerbaijani Army from the first hours of the Second Karabakh War. His political and moral support gave us strength and inspired us,” Aliyev said, emphasising that the Shusha Declaration elevated Azerbaijani–Turkish relations to their highest level — that of true alliance.

The Supreme Commander-in-Chief drew attention to the presence of Pakistani servicemen at today’s parade, describing it as a demonstration of the unity of the peoples and armies of the three countries — Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Pakistan.

“The state and people of Pakistan demonstrated support and solidarity with Azerbaijan during the 44-day Patriotic War,” President Aliyev emphasised.

The head of state’s speech looked not only to the past but also to the future. The president noted that Azerbaijan has entered a new era — an era of restoration and creation. Today, Karabakh and East Zangezur are undergoing large-scale revival: roads, power plants, schools, hospitals, and industrial enterprises are being built, and new cities and settlements are rising. People are returning to the liberated lands, and this process is only gaining momentum. The great return, which Aliyev spoke of even during the war, has become a reality — a symbol of a revived nation that has managed to turn victory into the foundation for new development.

However, the President’s words conveyed not only triumph but also a warning. Aliyev made it clear that Azerbaijan has learned the lessons of history. He recalled how, before the 2020 war, the Armenian side, emboldened by the support of certain external actors, once again raised territorial claims, issued threats, and even dreamed of “tanks on the streets of Baku.” Reality proved otherwise — their tanks did indeed end up in Baku, but as trophies displayed in the Military Trophy Park. This metaphor, delivered with Aliyev’s characteristic irony, served as a reminder that arrogance and aggression always end in defeat when faced with a people united and confident in their rightful cause.

The president’s address at Azadliq Square also served as a report to history. Five years after the Victory, Azerbaijan has further strengthened its position both regionally and globally.

The celebratory parade, where Azerbaijani, Turkish, and Pakistani troops marched side by side, became a living illustration of the formula: “Unity, Strength, Development.” In his speech, Ilham Aliyev not only reminded the nation of this principle — he set an emotional and political tone for the years ahead. His concluding words, “Karabakh is Azerbaijan!” resonated as a symbol of the permanence of what has been achieved and confidence in the future.

Five years after that autumn, when the Azerbaijani flag once again rose over the city of Shusha after many decades, the country stands on a solid foundation of historical justice, unity, and faith in its own strength. Today is both a celebration of military glory and a triumph of national spirit.

The Azerbaijani people have proven that their victory is their spirit. And this spirit, as the President emphasised, will live forever — under the flag that has finally returned to its rightful lands!