Baku: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, addressed representatives of the Khojaly district community, emphasizing the strategic importance of actions taken over the past two and a half years. "After I was elected President for the first time, I stated in my speech at the swearing-in ceremony that this was the key issue for us and that our territorial integrity must be fully restored," President Aliyev remarked, according to APA.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev elaborated on the extensive preparation required for Azerbaijan's eventual success. He highlighted the necessity of building strength, confirming the nation's rightful cause on an international scale, and disseminating information about the war crimes committed by the Armenian state. The president underscored the importance of communicating the truth about the Khojaly genocide, which led to numerous international organizations adopting resolutions in support of Azerbaijan's position. This, he noted, established a legal framework for resolving the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict.

President Aliyev also discussed Azerbaijan's efforts in establishing strategic partnerships with multiple countries, which facilitated the international communication of Azerbaijan's realities and the Garabagh conflict. He credited the nation's strong economy and enhanced military capabilities as crucial factors in moving towards victory. Over 44 days, Azerbaijan's military efforts led to the enemy's defeat, culminating in a signed act of capitulation and the cessation of war.

Reflecting on the historical context, President Aliyev acknowledged that certain areas like Khojaly and Khankendi were still under occupation at the time, but expressed confidence that liberation was imminent. He cited the 2023 anti-terrorist operation, which swiftly dismantled the illegal junta and expelled occupiers, as the final step in securing justice for Khojaly and ending Armenian separatism.