Event dedicated to Victory Day was held at Ministry of Emergency Situations (video, photo)

A solemn event dedicated to November 8 - Victory Day was held at the Ministry of Emergency Situations.

The event was attended by the Minister of Emergency Situations, Colonel General Kamaladdin Heydarov, employees of the Ministry, and veterans of the Patriotic War.

The event, which began with the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan, continued with a one-minute silence in honour of the cherished memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country.

Later, a video clip dedicated to Victory Day was shown.

Speaking at the solemn ceremony, Minister Kamaladdin Heydarov congratulated the participants on the occasion of Victory Day, noting that the historic Victory achieved in the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020, as well as the anti-terrorist measures carried out in 2023, demonstrated Azerbaijan’s strength, power and the unity of its people to the entire world.

The Minister, providing a brief overview of Azerbaijan’s recent history, spoke about the historical services of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev in protecting and strengthening our statehood and building the Army. He noted that in the late 1980s, when the Great Leader was not in charge of the country, nationalist circles in Armenia, seizing a historical opportunity, began openly making baseless territorial claims against Azerbaijan. After that, the mass deportation of Azerbaijanis from Armenia, the strengthening of separatist tendencies, the Sumgayit events, and other terrorist acts put our country in a difficult situation. At the time, amid the struggle for power, chaos and anarchy in the country, Azerbaijan faced the threat of losing its independence, fratricidal conflict and disintegration. It was at such a moment that the people turned to their Savior, Heydar Aliyev. Returning to power in 1993 at the insistent demand of the people, the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev ensured socio-political stability in a short time and put our country, which was in danger of disintegration, on the path of sustainable development. The National Leader, who identified the solution to the Garabagh problem as one of the main priorities of state policy, rendered invaluable services in defending Azerbaijan's rightful position on the international stage, strengthening the people's national unity and determination to fight, and building a strong Army.

The Minister pointed out that the historic Victory, the sixth anniversary of which we are celebrating, is the logical outcome of the successful continuation by Mr. President Ilham Aliyev of the wise state policy established by the National Leader Heydar Aliyev. He emphasized that, as a result of the tireless efforts of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev, to strengthen the Armed Forces and enhance the country's defense capabilities, Azerbaijan is now experiencing the most powerful period in its history. Thanks to the wise leadership of the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief Mr. Ilham Aliyev, the heroism of the Azerbaijani Army, and the unity of our people, our territories have been liberated from occupation, and the territorial integrity and state sovereignty of our country have been fully restored. This historic Victory is the embodiment of our national identity, solidarity, dignity and strength. The Victory achieved will live forever in our statehood history as a source of national pride of our people.

The Minister of Emergency Situations recalled that the MES staff also served with honour during the Patriotic War, which ended in victory, and spoke about the work carried out by the Ministry in frontline regions. He noted that, in accordance with the instructions of the head of state, necessary measures were taken to ensure the safety of the population and territories during the 44-day war.

The Minister spoke about the large-scale restoration and reconstruction work being carried out in the territories liberated from occupation. He noted that thanks to the regular visits of the President of the country, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, and First Vice-President Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva to the liberated territories and their direct oversight of the ongoing work, Garabagh and East Zangezur are rapidly reviving, and life is returning to our native lands.

Addressing the event, Raul Gasimov, a participant of the Patriotic War and an employee of the MES State Agency for Safe Working in Industry and Mountain-Mining Control, spoke about his glorious path in battle and shared his memories.

Reserve Major, veteran Suleyman Heydarov spoke about the importance of the historic Victory, the fighting spirit of the Azerbaijani soldier, the solidarity of our people, and the determination to win.