Moscow:The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Russia hosted a solemn event in Moscow to commemorate Azerbaijan's Victory Day. The gathering included Russian political and public figures, foreign diplomats, military attachés, and notable representatives from the Azerbaijani diaspora. Attendees watched a film that showcased Azerbaijan's triumph in the Second Garabagh War.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Russia, Rahman Mustafayev, addressed the event, recalling the raising of the Azerbaijani flag over Shusha Fortress on 8 November 2020. He emphasized the destruction inflicted on cities, villages, cultural monuments, and sacred sites during the years of occupation. The ambassador highlighted the necessity of strong leadership, national unity, economic strength, and a modern army to restore territorial integrity, stressing the importance of upholding international law.
The ambassador expressed gratitude to the countries that supported Azerbaijan during the 44-day war and paid homage to both fallen and surviving veterans. He also discussed the reconstruction efforts in liberated territories, which include significant infrastructure projects, and acknowledged international support for developing Garabagh's social facilities.
Approximately $15 billion has been invested in reconstruction, with plans for an additional $8 billion by 2027-2030. Currently, about 100,000 people reside, work, and study in the region, with 26% of the affected areas cleared of mines. The ambassador also highlighted progress in Azerbaijan-Armenia relations, noting the initialling of a peace agreement in Washington on 8 August 2025, and Baku's stance on the conditions for its signing.
The importance of Azerbaijan-Russia relations was reaffirmed, with a focus on the 2022 Declaration on Allied Interaction as a foundation. Increased high-level exchanges, robust economic ties with 75 Russian regions, and the North-South Transport Corridor's strategic significance were noted.
Colonel Kanan Tahmazov, Azerbaijan's Military Attaché to Russia, emphasized the historical importance of Victory Day and Azerbaijan's enhanced defense capabilities and national unity during the Patriotic War. He paid tribute to the fallen and veterans, described Shusha as a symbol of national identity, and reiterated Azerbaijan's commitment to regional peace and stability.
The event concluded with a festive concert featuring performances by international competition laureates Sakhavat Mammadov on tar, Jamala Abdinzade on piano, and soprano Aysun Mahmud-zade.