Zakir Hasanov congratulates Azerbaijani Army personnel on Victory Day

Minister of Defense Zakir Hasanov has congratulated the personnel of the Azerbaijani Army on November 8 – Victory Day.

Operativ Media reports, citing the Ministry of Defense's website, that the congratulatory message reads:

"Officers, warrant officers, midshipmen, cadets, sergeants, soldiers, sailors, civil servants, and civilian employees!

I sincerely congratulate you on November 8 – Victory Day, which we celebrate with great pride and solemnity, and I wish each of you success in your sacred and honorable service to further enhance Azerbaijan's defense capability. Thanks to the exceptional services of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, a unified command was established in the Azerbaijani Army—the guarantor of our republic's independence, sovereignty, defense, and security—building our military into a regular army where defense construction has always been prioritized.

The National Leader's path of Victory and development strategy, which began with national salvation, is being successfully carried forward by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ilham Aliyev.

The major achievements in building our republic's defense power, along with large-scale military reforms, exercises, and successful large-scale counter-offensive operations against enemy provocations, further reinforced our personnel's resolve for victory, inscribing November 8 – Victory Day in golden letters into Azerbaijan's glorious military history. Today, the successful continuation of comprehensive reforms in the Azerbaijani Army under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief makes our armed forces even stronger and invincible.

The declaration of 2026 as the 'Year of Urban Planning and Architecture' in our country by decree of the head of state represents a major contribution to the large-scale reconstruction, restoration, and landscaping work underway in the liberated territories.

As a result of the brilliant victory achieved by the Azerbaijani Army in the Patriotic War under the leadership of the Victorious Commander-in-Chief, alongside successful military operations and anti-terror measures, our historical lands previously under enemy occupation were liberated. Thanks to the decisive and visionary policy pursued by the Commander-in-Chief and the strength of our army, Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty have been fully restored. In the liberated territories, where the National Flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan proudly flies, the valiant Azerbaijani Army actively contributes to ensuring that restoration and construction efforts, as well as the Great Return, take place in peace and security. I am confident that by remaining steadfastly loyal to the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Military Oath, and service regulations, you will continue to enhance your combat and moral-psychological readiness and strive for new achievements in your service.

On the eve of November 8 – Victory Day, as always, we honor with deep respect and reverence the memory of the brave sons of our Motherland who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan's independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty. The families of our martyrs, our wounded veterans, and war veterans remain under the constant care of our state. Thanks to the attention and support of Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, major steps are being taken to improve their living conditions and meet their social needs. On this holiday, I extend my warm congratulations and best wishes to the parents and families of our fallen service members, our wounded comrades-in-arms, and our esteemed veterans.

Once again, I warmly congratulate each of you on November 8 – Victory Day, wishing you robust health, long life, and continued success in your honorable service to the Motherland and the independent state of Azerbaijan."