On September 27, Azerbaijan marks Remembrance Day, a solemn national occasion dedicated to honoring the memory of the soldiers who gave their lives for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. Established by President Ilham Aliyev in December 2020, Remembrance Day commemorates the beginning of the 44-day Patriotic War, which started on September 27, 2020.

For the people of Azerbaijan, this day is a moment of deep respect and gratitude. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the difficult path the country has travelled and on the responsibilities that come with peace, stability and the future of the region.

As President Ilham Aliyev has stated: “We have restored our territorial integrity. We have resolved the conflict by military and political means. The conflict is now in the past.” These words underline an important message: the end of conflict must open the way toward a peaceful, stable and prosperous future.

Since the end of the war, Azerbaijan has embarked on a large-scale reconstruction process in the liberated territories. The return of displaced families, the rebuilding of cities and villages, the restoration of infrastructure and the development of new social and economic opportunities are central elements of this process. For Azerbaijan, reconstruction is not only about rebuilding physical infrastructure; it is about restoring communities, reviving livelihoods and creating the conditions for people to return to their ancestral homes with dignity and confidence.

At the same time, Azerbaijan believes that the legacy of conflict in the South Caucasus must ultimately give way to a new era of peace and cooperation. In this regard, the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia has gained important momentum.

A major milestone was reached in Washington on August 8, 2025, when the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia, in the presence of United States President Donald Trump, witnessed the initialling of the agreed text of the peace agreement. This was an important step toward establishing lasting peace between the two countries and opening a new chapter in their relations. Reflecting on this historic opportunity, President Ilham Aliyev said: “I'm sure that Armenia Azerbaijan, will find courage and responsibility to reconcile, and the people will also reconcile. We will turn the page of standoff, confrontation and bloodshed and provide bright and safe future for our children.”

For Azerbaijan, peace is not simply the absence of war. Sustainable peace should be supported by respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, open communications, economic cooperation and good-neighborly relations. The South Caucasus now has an opportunity to move beyond decades of confrontation and become a region of stability, cooperation and shared prosperity.

Six years after September 27, 2020, Azerbaijan continues to honor its martyrs while looking toward the future. The reconstruction of the liberated territories, the return of displaced families and the pursuit of peace and regional cooperation are all parts of this new chapter.

Remembrance Day is therefore both a day of memory and a day of responsibility. We remember those who sacrificed their lives with profound respect and gratitude, while working to build a future in which peace, stability and prosperity can prevail throughout the region.

The greatest tribute to those who gave their lives is to ensure that their sacrifice contributes to a safer, more peaceful and more prosperous future for generations to come.

On this Remembrance Day, Azerbaijan honors the memory of its martyrs with gratitude and profound respect. Their names and sacrifices remain an inseparable part of the nation's history, while their memory strengthens our commitment to building a future defined not by conflict, but by peace, cooperation and shared prosperity.

Anar Huseynov

Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Albania