The date of September 27 marks the fifth anniversary of the start of the 44-day Patriotic War, which resulted in the restoration of Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity. On that day in 2020, the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan undertook retaliatory actions in response to another military provocation from the Armed Forces of the Republic of Armenia. These actions initiated the 44-day Patriotic War, conducted under the right to self-defense and in full accordance with international humanitarian law, aimed at halting Armenia’s ongoing military aggression and ensuring the safety of the civilian population.
The Patriotic War concluded Armenia’s nearly 30-year-long military aggression against Azerbaijan’s sovereign territory, upheld Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, and restored the fundamental rights of almost one million Azerbaijanis. Azerbaijan acted independently to implement the relevant UN Security Council resolutions from 1993. The victory achieved through the courage of the Army of the Republic of Azerbaijan, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, ushered in a new era in Azerbaijan’s history and established international justice.
Pakistan was one of several countries that always stood side by side with Azerbaijan. During the Second Karabakh War, the Patriotic War, political support and straightforward statements from high-ranking officials of Pakistan supporting Azerbaijan’s just position gave them additional power and strength.
On September 19-20, 2023, in order to put an end to the existence of illegal Armenian forces, as well as to restore full sovereignty over all its territories, Azerbaijan carried out counter-terrorism measures within 24 hours in the Karabakh region.
Ending the occupation of the Azerbaijani territories exposed the extent of Armenia’s extensive illegal activities over the past three decades. There is clear evidence of the widespread mining of Azerbaijani lands, intentional destruction and appropriation of Azerbaijan’s historical, cultural, and religious heritage, plundering of natural resources, destruction of infrastructure, and other violations of international law, all of which have been properly documented and presented to the international community. Azerbaijan demands that Armenia be held accountable for its violations of international obligations, as well as international humanitarian and human rights law.
Immediately after the historic Victory of the Republic of Azerbaijan, large-scale restoration and reconstruction work, including key infrastructure projects, were launched in the Karabakh and East Zangezur regions, and thousands of people have returned to their native lands.
Azerbaijan has always advocated a peace agenda and actively pursued measures to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region. The country believes that the only way to reach stability and prosperity lies across dialogue and partnership. Azerbaijan `s efforts in this direction culminated in the initialing of a peace agreement in Washington in August of this year.
On August 8, 2025, a Joint Declaration was signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the witness of the US in Washington. Thus, an important historic step was made towards ending the long-lasting conflict between the countries and signing the peace agreement. Initialing of a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia creates favorable opportunities not only for the region but also for the wider geography. The full instauration of prosperity in the South Caucasus will open up opportunities not only for the region but also for the regions beyond.
On this significant day, September 27, the people of Azerbaijan honor with deep respect and gratitude the memory of the martyrs who gave their lives for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of their country, giving them this historic victory.
