BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 20. The restoration
of Azerbaijan's state sovereignty has opened up new opportunities
for lasting peace.
This was reflected in the statement of the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of Azerbaijan on the occasion of September 20 - State
Sovereignty Day.
It is noted that 20 September is a historic day marking the
restoration of our state sovereignty that inscribed in golden
letters in the centuries-old statehood chronicle of our nation:
"20 September is a historic day marking the restoration of our
state sovereignty that inscribed in golden letters in the
centuries-old statehood chronicle of our nation.
On 19-20 September 2023, local anti-terrorist measures were
carried out in the Garabagh region of Azerbaijan to disarm and
withdraw the remnants of the Armenian armed forces from our
territories. Consequently, as a result of the measures completed in
less than 24 hours, state sovereignty over the territories was
restored.
The high professionalism, courage, and heroism of the
Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces under the leadership and resolute
political will of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan,
Victorious Commander-in-Chief H.E. Ilham Aliyev, played a decisive
role in achieving this historic victory.
During the anti-terrorist measures, the Azerbaijani side paid
special attention to the safety of the civilian population,
targeting only the legitimate military facilities and
infrastructure of illegal armed formations, rather than civilians
and civilian infrastructure.
The restoration of Azerbaijan's state sovereignty created a new
political reality in the region, opening new opportunities for the
normalization of Azerbaijan-Armenia relations and for lasting
peace. Demonstrating its commitment to the peace agenda, our
country has taken consistent and purposeful steps toward
normalizing relations.
The historic meeting held in Washington D.C. on 8 August 2025,
with the participation of the leaders of Azerbaijan, the United
States, and Armenia, marked an important milestone in the peace and
normalization process.
Today, the agreements reached during the meetings between the
leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia are of great importance not only
for ensuring lasting peace and stability in the region, but also
for realizing the regional economic potential.
The restoration of economic- trade ties in the region and the
implementation of confidence-building measures in this direction,
as well as the promotion of regional integration of international
transport and logistics routes, will create new economic dividends
and cooperation opportunities not only for Azerbaijan and Armenia,
but also for all interested parties.
Building upon the historic opportunity for peace, resolving the
issues lying ahead to sign a peace agreement and fully normalize
relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia is of paramount
importance.
Today, Azerbaijan is carrying out large-scale efforts towards
the restoration of the liberated territories, ensuring the return
of former internally displaced persons to their native lands, and
promoting the sustainable development of these areas. At the same
time, eliminating the landmine threat and determining the fate of
missing persons are among our country's main priorities.
State Sovereignty Day is a symbol of the Azerbaijani people’s
commitment to their statehood, national will and territorial
integrity. This significant day is an important occasion to pay
deep respect to the dearest memory of our martyrs, and to always
preserve and pass on to future generations the value of the
historic Victory achieved at the cost of their lives.
The state sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan is eternal,
indivisible and inviolable.
Happy State Sovereignty Day, Azerbaijan!"
