ISLAMABAD -UNS : Azerbaijan armed forces were fully prepared to face all type of chanllanges and to defend their motherland adding victory in the Patriotic War unequivocally showed our forces bravery and commitment to defend its borders come what may. This was stated by Ambassador of Azerbaijan Khazar Farhadov while addressing the 105th Anniversary of the Azerbaijan Armed Forces reception in Islamabad.
Air Marshal Irfan Ahmed, Deputy Chief of Air Staff Projects was the chief guest.A large number of guests hailing from various walks of life attended the reception. A special musical performance by the Pakistan Army band added color to the event.
Ambassador Khazar Farhadov further said, ‘today we celebrate the 105th anniversary of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Armed Forces. Undoubtedly, the peak of the warpath of our National Army during this period is the glorious Victory gained in the Patriotic War – Karabakh Victory. There has been no similar Victory in the centuries-old history of our nation’.
The Ambassador further said, on June 26, 1918, by the decision of the Council of Ministers of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first regular military unit – the Combined Azerbaijan Corps – was created. The task of creating an army of 25 thousand people was set by the Government. On August 1, 1918, the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan was established.
The creation of the modern National Army started in 1991 after the restoration of the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan. However, those who led our country in the first years of independence could not cope with the important and responsible task of army building at that time when Armenia occupied our lands. The encroachment of the enemy on our lands was expanding more and more. Azerbaijan faced the threat of losing its independence. At such a difficult time, the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev, who returned to power at the request of the people, eliminated chaos and anarchy, economic and political difficulties in the country and started the process of building a regular army.
After the National Leader’s return to power, our army and people had a firm belief in Victory. At the call of Heydar Aliyev, a large-scale mobilization was held, and military units were fully equipped in the country, he added.
Colonel Mehman Novruzov, Azerbaijan Defence Attaché to Pakistan in his speech said the people of Azerbaijan have for centuries fought for liberty and statehood along its ancient history. Because of rich natural resources and strategic location, our motherland has always undergone pressures and military aggressions by strong states.
After regaining independence, all state attributes of Azerbaijan, including Armed Forces were restored and on May 22, 1998, with the presidential decree, June 26 was declared as the Day of Azerbaijan Armed Forces.
Since its establishment on 26 June 1918, the Azerbaijan Armed Forces have faced many security challenges and demonstrated remarkable resilience, unwavering dedication, and a strong commitment to safeguarding security and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.
He sdaid the turning point in the history of Azerbaijan Armed Forces came in 2020 during the 44-Day Patriotic War of Azerbaijan. In response to Armenian provocations, Azerbaijan launched a successful counteroffensive military campaign to retake its 20% territories, which had been under Armenian occupation for almost 30 years.
The Azerbaijan Armed Forces carried out the war of the 21st century and destroyed the Armenian fascism on the battlefield, thus demonstrated the strength, determination and professionalism of the Azerbaijan Armed Forces.
‘The counteroffensive operation of Azerbaijan Army with the later adopted “Iron Fist” code name, made the aggressor state of Armenia, to admit its unconditional capitulation in 44 days. Azerbaijan managed to fulfil the requirements of the international law, implement on the battlefield the 4 UN Security Council resolutions that remained on paper for 27 years’.
