AOn June 26, Azerbaijan University held an event dedicated to the Day of the Armed Forces. The event began with the National Anthem, followed by a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the independence, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Azerbaijan.

The event featured guest speaker Aytan Gurbanova, lecturer at Baku State University and political scientist, and Samir Humbatov, political scientist, lecturer at the Department of Political and Social Sciences at Azerbaijan University, and Head of the Center for Diplomatic Studies and International Relations. Aytan Gurbanova delivered a report titled “The Role of Azerbaijan in the Regional Security System”, while Samir Humbatov presented on “Army Building in the Republic of Azerbaijan: Challenges of Army Building During the Return of Heydar Aliyev to Power and the Restoration of Independence, and İts Impact on the International System”.

In her report, Aytan Gurbanova noted that the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan serve as the primary guarantors of the country’s independence, sovereignty, and national security. The liberation of Azerbaijani territories after 30 years of occupation by the Azerbaijani Army within 44 days in autumn 2020 contributed significantly to shaping a new regional security architecture and solidifying Azerbaijan’s international standing. Azerbaijan’s contemporary standing as a reliable global partner, alongside its growing role in European energy security and international cooperation, remains intrinsically linked to the country’s military and political strength.

Samir Humbatov noted in his address that the process of army building in Azerbaijan encompasses three main historical stages. Although the establishment of the Azerbaijani Special Corps on June 26, 1918, by decree of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (ADR) government marked a pivotal milestone in forming a national army, the process was halted following the collapse of the ADR. National Leader Heydar Aliyev played a decisive role in founding the modern Azerbaijani army through his targeted, visionary policies and historic contributions across both

periods of his leadership. The creation of the Special Forces in 1999 represented a crucial step in enhancing the combat readiness and international prestige of the armed forces. Furthermore, the outcomes of the April and Tovuz battles laid the groundwork for the historic victory in the Patriotic War. The Victory of November 8, achieved under the leadership of the Victorious Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, demonstrated to the world the power of the Azerbaijani Army and its reliability as the guarantor of national security. Today, Azerbaijan confidently advances into the future, grounded in the strength and values of its Armed Forces.

It should be noted that the event was jointly organized by the Department of Economics and Management and the Department of Finance and Accounting.

Public Relations Department