The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Azerbaijan has issued a statement on the occasion of State Sovereignty Day.
The statement reads:
“Today, State Sovereignty Day is celebrated in Azerbaijan.
On September 19-20, 2023, local anti-terror measures were carried out in less than 24 hours with the aim of disarming and completely withdrawing the remnants of the Armenian armed forces from the Karabakh region of our country, and restoring Azerbaijan's sovereignty and constitutional order in those territories.
The restoration of Azerbaijan's sovereignty over its territories on September 20 is not only one of the most glorious pages in history but also a triumph of international law and justice.
The main architect of this victory is the glorious Azerbaijani armed forces led by the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief. It was the determination of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief and the valor of our armed forces that ensured this victory.
Despite Armenia's obligations undertaken as a result of the 2020 Patriotic War, it was known that during the nearly three years until 2023, Armenia not only failed to withdraw its armed formations from Azerbaijan's Karabakh region but also deployed additional weapons, ammunition, military equipment, and mines in Azerbaijani territories. The Armenian side's continued propaganda for the fictitious regime it created in our territories, its congratulation of the separatist regime on its fictitious "independence" on September 2, 2023, the fictitious "presidential elections" on September 9, as well as the military provocation on September 19 that resulted in the death of 6 Azerbaijanis, further escalated the situation.
It was necessary to prevent such unacceptable behavior by Armenia and its fictitious regime, which did not abandon its baseless claims against Azerbaijani territories, grossly violated the principles of international law, and continued its policy of aggression.
Despite the provocative efforts and propaganda of the Armenian side, during the anti-terror measures, civilians were not targeted, civilian infrastructure was not damaged, and only legitimate military infrastructure and objects were neutralized. Azerbaijani soldiers and officers demonstrated true heroism, patriotism, and self-sacrifice.
After the restoration of Azerbaijan's state sovereignty in 2023, efforts towards normalizing Armenia-Azerbaijan relations were further intensified. On August 8, 2025, a historic meeting of the leaders of Azerbaijan, the USA, and Armenia was held in Washington. As a result of the meeting, a Joint Statement was signed by the leaders. Azerbaijan and Armenia initialed the text of a peace treaty. Furthermore, in accordance with the request of Azerbaijan and Armenia, the OSCE Minsk Process and its related structures, which were a remnant of the former conflict, were abolished on September 1 by a decision of the OSCE Ministerial Council.
The results of the Washington meeting once again confirmed Azerbaijan's peace agenda. To not miss this historic peace opportunity and to sign a peace agreement, it is necessary to remove territorial claims from the Armenian constitution.
On this historically significant day, we respectfully commemorate the dear memory of our compatriots who sacrificed their lives for the independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Azerbaijan.
Happy State Sovereignty Day, Azerbaijan!”