Azerbaijan MFA Reaffirms State Sovereignty on National State Sovereignty Day
Baku, The Gulf Observer: Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement marking September 20 as State Sovereignty Day, describing the date as a significant milestone in the country’s statehood history.
According to the statement, September 20 commemorates what the ministry describes as the restoration of Azerbaijan’s state sovereignty following the local anti-terror measures conducted in the Garabagh region on September 19–20, 2023. The ministry said the measures resulted in the restoration of state control over the territories within less than 24 hours.
The ministry attributed the outcome to the professionalism and courage of Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces and the political leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. It further stated that particular attention was paid to civilian safety during the operation, while military facilities and infrastructure of armed formations were targeted.
The Foreign Ministry said the restoration of state sovereignty had created what it described as a new political reality in the region and opened opportunities for the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia and the establishment of lasting peace.
The statement highlighted the August 8, 2025 meeting in Washington, D.C., involving the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia and the United States, describing it as an important milestone in the peace and normalization process.
According to the ministry, agreements reached between the Azerbaijani and Armenian leaderships are significant for regional peace and stability as well as for unlocking the region’s economic potential. It said the restoration of economic and trade ties, confidence-building measures, and greater regional integration of international transport and logistics routes could create new opportunities for cooperation among Azerbaijan, Armenia and other interested parties.
The ministry stressed the importance of resolving outstanding issues toward the signing of a peace agreement and the full normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
The statement also outlined Azerbaijan’s ongoing efforts to restore the territories affected by the conflict, facilitate the return of internally displaced persons to their homes and promote sustainable development in these areas. It identified the removal of landmines and clarification of the fate of missing persons as among the country’s priorities.
The Foreign Ministry described State Sovereignty Day as a symbol of the Azerbaijani people’s commitment to statehood, national will and territorial integrity. It also paid tribute to those who lost their lives and emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of the events for future generations.
The ministry concluded by stating that the state sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan is “eternal, indivisible and inviolable.”
