Brussels: An official reception was held by the Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to NATO to commemorate the 107th anniversary of the establishment of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan’s Mission to NATO informed APA.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the event marked a significant milestone as it was attended for the first time by NATO Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy, Ambassador Boris Ruge, and Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone. The reception also saw participation from other senior NATO officials, ambassadors, and military representatives of NATO member and partner countries.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Jafar Huseynzada, Head of the Mission of the Republic of Azerbaijan to NATO, highlighted the evolution of Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces since the early 1990s. He attributed their transformation into a capable and technologically advanced force to the efforts of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. He emphasized the Armed Forces’ role in restoring Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by liberating occupied territories.

He further noted that 2025 has been declared the ‘Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty’ in Azerbaijan by presidential decree. Azerbaijan’s contributions to international peace and security, including participation in NATO’s peace support operations in Kosovo and Afghanistan, were acknowledged. Azerbaijan’s role in ensuring energy security and facilitating the evacuation of citizens during the Iran-Israel confrontation was also stressed.

Ambassador Boris Ruge recognized Azerbaijan as a reliable NATO partner, appreciating its contributions to peace operations and energy security. He specifically highlighted Azerbaijan’s efforts in evacuating third-country nationals during recent regional tensions.

Mr. Ramil Hasanov, Military Representative of Azerbaijan to NATO’s Military Committee, spoke on the development of Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces and its military partnership with NATO. Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone praised the evolution of Azerbaijan’s forces since 1918, describing them as resilient and responsible. He recognized Azerbaijan as a regional actor with a commitment to global peace and security.

Additionally, a photo exhibition at the reception highlighted the partnership between Azerbaijan and NATO, showcasing National Leader Heydar Aliyev’s contributions and President Ilham Aliyev’s engagements with NATO officials.