Azerbaijan envoy underscores his nation’s commitment to peace

Islamabad:The Azerbaijani Embassy commemorated the liberation of the Central Asian country’s occupied territories from Armenian forces.

The Azerbaijani Victory Day event at a hotel here was attended by diplomats, government officials, military personnel, business leaders, and civil society members, with the country's ambassador, Khazar Farhadov, highlighting his nation's resilience, sacrifices and commitment to peace and stability in the region.

He said November 8 signified not only a military victory but also a triumph of the Azerbaijani people's determination to protect their sovereignty and territorial integrity. “We stand united in pride as we celebrate this day, which holds deep meaning for our nation and the future we are building,” he said, acknowledging the struggles Azerbaijan has faced since gaining independence in August 1991. Mr Farhadov recounted the hardships endured, including military aggression, occupation, ethnic cleansing, and genocide perpetrated by Armenia, which led to nearly one million Azerbaijanis becoming refugees or internally displaced persons, and said despite those challenges, Azerbaijan never wavered in its resolve to restore its territorial integrity.

He said on September 27, 2020, Armenia launched attacks on Azerbaijani civilians and military positions, sparking a counter-offensive by Azerbaijan in defence of its homeland. “Under the visionary leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s victorious army secured our territorial integrity and defended our people,” he said, emphasising the decisive role of the Azerbaijani military in reclaiming occupied territories.

Further emphasising the nation’s commitment to peace, the envoy described Azerbaijan’s recent military actions in Garabagh on September 19-20, 2023, which resulted in the swift restoration of sovereignty over the region. He said the action created unprecedented opportunities for lasting peace and stability in the region, and urged Armenia to embrace the new realities and engage constructively in the peace process.

Mr Farhadov also expressed gratitude to the international community, particularly Pakistan, for its unwavering support during Azerbaijan's struggle. He highlighted Pakistan’s firm stance during the Second Karabakh War, noting the country's refusal to establish diplomatic relations with Armenia due to the occupation of Azerbaijani lands.

“Pakistan has always honoured our friendship, and its leaders have voiced strong, unequivocal support for our just cause,” he said. The ambassador said Azerbaijan's diplomatic ties with Pakistan had deepened in recent years, marked by high-level visits and agreements in areas such as trade, investment, and environmental cooperation. He said the launch of direct flights, joint investment projects, and Pakistan’s planned high-level participation at COP29 in 2024 were key developments in strengthening the bilateral relationship.

Mr Farhadov also outlined the steps taken by Azerbaijan to build a sustainable future in the aftermath of the conflict. “Our victory was not the end of the story; it was the beginning of a new chapter,” he said. According to him, Azerbaijan has initiated large-scale restoration efforts in the liberated territories, including the introduction of the Great Return Programme, which aims to provide displaced citizens with the opportunity to return to their homes with dignity and in environmentally sustainable conditions.

The ambassador said environmental sustainability and climate action were central to Azerbaijan’s national agenda, with the country set to host COP29, one of the world’s largest environmental conferences, in 2024.