Baku: On May 18, the Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, along with other high-ranking officials, met with the family members of Azerbaijan's National Heroes, Shehid Gurbanov Vagif Bakhtiyar and Shehid Teymurov Panjali Nurmammad.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, this meeting took place at the Ministry of Defense, where Colonel General Zakir Hasanov extended his condolences to the families of the martyrs.

The Minister of Defense highlighted the significance of remembering those who sacrificed their lives for the nation. He emphasized the commitment to providing attention and care to the families of martyrs, as per the instructions of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva. The Minister also reflected on Azerbaijan's victory and the heroism shown on the battlefield.

It was noted that Vagif Gurbanov, the country's first military pilot, and Panjali Teymurov, a Special Forces serviceman, were posthumously awarded the title of National Hero of Azerbaijan for their outstanding services in defending the nation's independence and territorial integrity. These honors were bestowed in accordance with the President's decrees.

Colonel General Zakir Hasanov presented the 'Gold Star' medal and certificate to the family members of the National Heroes following the reading of the decree on the award. At the end of the meeting, the family members expressed their gratitude to the country's leadership and the Ministry of Defense for honoring the memory of the martyrs and for their continued support.