The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) of Azerbaijan has stated on the occasion of State Sovereignty Day.

Axar.az presents the text of the statement:

"Today, Azerbaijan celebrates State Sovereignty Day.

On September 19-20, 2023, local anti-terrorist measures were carried out in less than 24 hours to disarm the remnants of the Armenian armed forces and completely withdraw them from the Karabakh region of our country, and to restore the sovereignty and constitutional order of the Republic of Azerbaijan in those territories.

The restoration of sovereignty over its lands by Azerbaijan 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 courage of our armed forces that ensured this victory.

Despite the commitments made by Armenia as a result of the 2020 Patriotic War, in the nearly three years that passed until 2023, it not only did not withdraw its armed forces from the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, but also supplied additional weapons and ammunition to the territories of Azerbaijan, It was known that the Armenian side continued to propagate the so-called regime it had created in our territories in every possible way, congratulated the separatist regime on the so-called "independence" on September 2, 2023, held the so-called "presidential elections" on September 9, as well as the military provocation that resulted in the death of 6 Azerbaijanis on September 19, further strained the situation.

It was necessary to prevent such behavior of Armenia and its so-called regime, which does not give up its groundless claims against the territories of Azerbaijan, grossly violates the principles of international law, and continues its policy of aggression.

Despite the provocative efforts and propaganda of the Armenian side, when anti-terrorist measures were taken, the civilian population was not targeted, civilian infrastructure was not damaged, only legitimate military infrastructure and facilities were destroyed. Azerbaijani soldiers and officers demonstrated true heroism, patriotism, and selflessness.

In 2023, after the restoration of sovereignty, efforts to normalize Armenian-Azerbaijani relations were further intensified. On August 8, 2025, a historic meeting of the leaders of Azerbaijan, the United States 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 the peace treaty. In addition, in accordance with the appeal of Azerbaijan and Armenia, the OSCE Minsk Process and related structures, a remnant of the past conflict, were terminated by the decision of the OSCE Ministerial Council on September 1.

The results of the Washington meeting once again confirmed the peace agenda put forward by Azerbaijan. In order not to miss this historic peace opportunity and to sign a peace treaty, it is necessary to eliminate territorial claims in the Armenian constitution.

On this historically important day, we deeply respect the dear memory of our sons and daughters who gave their lives for the independence, territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

Happy State Sovereignty Day, Azerbaijan!