Paris, June 27, 2025 – The Europe Today: The Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in France held a solemn event in Paris to mark Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces Day, paying tribute to the memory of Azerbaijani nationals who sacrificed their lives for the freedom and independence of both Azerbaijan and France.
The event featured a photo exhibition dedicated to Azerbaijani fighters who participated in the French Resistance Movement during World War II. The exhibition served as a powerful reminder of the historical ties and shared sacrifices between the two nations.
Ambassador of Azerbaijan to France, H.E. Leyla Abdullayeva, the embassy’s military attaché Colonel Javid Abdullayev, and French historian Alexandre Vatant, a prominent researcher on Azerbaijani participation in the French Resistance, delivered addresses at the event.
In their remarks, Ambassador Abdullayeva and Colonel Abdullayev highlighted the proud legacy of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces and the extraordinary contribution of Azerbaijani partisans to France’s liberation during World War II. They noted that thousands of Azerbaijanis had joined the ranks of French Resistance fighters, and while some returned home after the war, many rest eternally on French soil.
Ambassador Abdullayeva also emphasized the Embassy’s continued efforts to identify the graves, combat paths, and life stories of Azerbaijani soldiers buried in France, underscoring the importance of preserving this shared history.
Historian Alexandre Vatant presented his research and spoke about his book chronicling the life and military journey of Azerbaijani resistance fighter Ahmadiyya Jabrayilov, one of the most distinguished Azerbaijani figures in the French Resistance.
The exhibition showcased archival documents and biographical information on ten Azerbaijani partisans who fought for the freedom of France. Among the attendees were family members of three of these heroes—Ahmadiyya Jabrayilov, Khalaf Hajiyev, and Idris Hashimov—who were honored with certificates and medals in recognition of their ancestors’ valor and sacrifice.
The commemorative event served as a meaningful tribute to the enduring bonds between Azerbaijan and France, forged through shared values, mutual respect, and a common history of resistance against oppression.
