Azerbaijan's Armed Forces Day celebrated in Italy
A reception was held at the Azerbaijani Embassy in Italy on the occasion of June 26 – Armed Forces Day.
The event was attended by ambassadors of various countries, military attaches, officers, diplomats, as well as our compatriots living in Italy. First, the national anthems of Azerbaijan and Italy were played.
In his speech, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Italy Rashad Aslanov noted that the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the first Democratic Parliamentary Republic in the Muslim East, was proclaimed 107 years ago – on May 28, 1918, and that the first regular separate Azerbaijani Army corps was created on June 26 of that year.
The diplomat said that when Azerbaijan regained its independence on October 18, 1991, in the first years of its independent life, it faced military aggression from Armenia, which led to the occupation of 20 percent of our territories. The return to power of the National Leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev in 1993 was a turning point in the situation. It was the mission of the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev to save the state's independence and liberate the occupied lands.
It was emphasized that after nearly 30 years, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, it has restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty in accordance with international law and relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council. The Victory was not easy – it is the result of unity, dedication, strategic leadership and national will.
It was noted that Azerbaijan is actively working towards ensuring long-term peace in the South Caucasus, a developing, prosperous and cooperative environment. Peace based on justice, sovereignty and mutual respect will bring sustainable development not only to Azerbaijan, but also to all neighboring countries.
The diplomat spoke about the army building of independent Azerbaijan, mutually beneficial cooperation with NATO, the contributions of our country to international peace and security, and noted that Azerbaijan is recognized as a reliable partner of the Alliance. He noted that Italy was one of the first countries to recognize the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic after its establishment in 1918 and establish a diplomatic and military presence in Baku.
Senior Assistant to the Military Attaché, Captain Second Rank Ruslan Khaliyev noted that Armed Forces Day is not only the day of the establishment of our national Army, but also a proud reminder of the courage, commitment and unity that define our Armed Forces. He noted that the Azerbaijani Armed Forces have come a long way, and said that today our national Army not only defends the homeland, but also actively contributes to global peace and stability.
At the same time, he spoke about the Patriotic War, the Victory based on international law and national determination, and noted Azerbaijan's commitment to peace, reconstruction and sustainable development. He also emphasized the importance of the strategic cooperation established by our Army both in peacekeeping operations abroad and in joint exercises at home.
