Honorable, Federal Minister for Housing and Works , H.E. Mr. Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Excellencies, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen!
Assalamu-alaikum and very good evening!
Today, we stand united in pride as we celebrate November 8, the Victory Day of Azerbaijan. This day holds profound significance not only for the honor of our nation but also for the future we are building. It is a symbol of resilience, strength, and the unyielding spirit of Azerbaijan.
Since our earliest days of independence, our nation has faced enormous challenges. We were subjected to military aggression, occupation, ethnic cleansing, and genocide by Armenia. Nearly one million of our people became refugees and internally displaced persons, yet we never lost our resolve. We stood by our commitment to peace, but we made it clear: Azerbaijan would never accept the occupation of its lands.
On September 27, 2020, this resolve was tested again. Armenia launched attacks on Azerbaijani civilians and military positions from multiple directions, using heavy artillery and other weaponry. In response to this provocation, Azerbaijan began a counter-offensive, a Patriotic War for the freedom and integrity of our homeland. Under the visionary and determined leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Victorious Army of Azerbaijan defended our people and the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.
On September 19-20, 2023, we undertook local anti–terrorist measures to end the presence of illegal Armenian forces in Garabagh, restoring full sovereignty over our territories within just 24 hours. This decisive action has created unprecedented opportunities for lasting peace and stability in the region. We continue to call on Armenia to embrace a constructive approach to peace, recognizing the new realities of our region.
We upheld the principles of international law, reaffirmed our territorial integrity, and brought long-overdue justice by implementing United Nations Security Council resolutions that had been ignored for decades. This victory allowed us to fulfill our promise to return our internally displaced people to their rightful homes.
We are deeply grateful to the countries that stood with us, and today I must highlight the steadfast support of our brothers and sisters in Pakistan. Throughout the Second Karabakh War, Pakistan’s leaders voiced unequivocal support for Azerbaijan’s just cause, strengthening our determination. Pakistan has consistently honored our friendship, even refusing to establish diplomatic relations with Armenia due to the occupation of our lands.
In recent years, a number of agreements were signed during the high level visits of the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Azerbaijan and the President of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, along with increased trade volume, the launch of direct flights, joint investment projects, and Pakistan’s planned high-level participation at COP29, make a significant contribution to the growth of our multifaceted cooperation.
Our victory was not the end of the story; it was the beginning of a new chapter. True to our principles, Azerbaijan immediately launched peace initiatives and began large-scale restoration work in the liberated territories. We introduced the Great Return Program, developing smart villages with green energy concept to allow our displaced citizens to return home with dignity.
Environmental stewardship and the fight against climate change are also at the heart of our national agenda. Azerbaijan is honored to be hosting COP29 in 2024, one of the largest environmental conferences in the world, underscoring the global respect and trust our nation has earned. In a significant move demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability, Azerbaijan has declared 2024 as the “Green World Solidarity Year.”
As we celebrate this day of triumph, let us honor with the deepest respect and gratitude our martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan’s independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty. Their courage and their love for Azerbaijan live on in each of us, inspiring us to carry forward their legacy.
Happy Victory Day, Azerbaijan! May our country continue to thrive, in peace, unity, and progress.
Thank you.
