Development of tourism in Azerbaijan

Rich in amazing nature, magnificent views, ancient monuments, Azerbaijan gets much more attractive to other nations day by day. Out of 11 climate types (according to V.V.Keppen) in the Earth 9 have been determined here. Bazarduezue (4466 m), Shahdagh (4243 m), Babadagh (3629 m) high peaks, rivers flowing from  the southern slopes of the Major Caucasus and numerous waterfalls, clear Goey-Goel, Maral Lake, Gobustan’s hard and at the same time picturesque mud volcanoes, unique reserves of Lankaran, fine sandy curative beaches of Absheron and Nabran are an important integral part of Azerbaijan's rich tourism potential. The number of incoming tourists grows in particular in summer.

Tourists take a special interest in our country that enjoys diverse flora and fauna, numerous rivers, falls and lakes, mineral water deposits, unique sandy beaches, thousands of historical architectural monuments. 

This interest concerns not only Baku, which features modern museums, business centers and such luxury hotels as “Fairmont Baku”, “Four Seasons”, “Kempinski Badamdar”, “JW Marriott Absheron”, “Jumeirah”, “Park Hyatt”, “Park Inn”, but regions as well.

Azerbaijan’s tourism potential is highlighted in foreign mass media too. Article “Baku in the way to progress” written for Swiss newspaper “Tagblatt” by Ester Elionor presents Baku as a construction site. The article says Baku is rapidly growing. Numerous modern buildings have been constructed around Icherisheher, which extends along fortress walls to the Caspian Sea shore and has been inserted in the UNESCO World Heritage List.  

Kuwaiti weekly “Times” posted article “7 magnificent locations you will never be able to hear about. Azerbaijan – place for a perfect rest” at the initiative of the Azerbaijani embassy in this country. The article talks about Azerbaijan’s ancient history, rich culture, wonderful nature, traditions, ethnography, huge tourism potential, favourite regions of tourists.

Also, influential British newspaper “Daily Mail” has covered a unique restaurant in the form of an aircraft wrecked in Guba. 

Heydar Aliyev Foundation: social activities

New world order highlights the role of NGOs in the development of civil society, deepening of democracy, protection of national interests. Heydar Aliyev Foundation has been established on the bases of the nation’s wish to express esteem in the memory of Heydar Aliyev, who went down our history as an architect of an independent state, and out of the necessity of reflecting his rich moral heritage, underlining the importance of the philosophy of Azerbaijanism for our country and suggesting the national statehood ideas to our children. The purposeful works done in the 10 years demonstrate the Foundation’s devotion to this purpose.    

Heydar Aliyev Foundation supports projects in the spheres of education, culture, health, science, technology, ecology and sports, operates in the country and on the international level. In this respect, the activities the Foundation performs in the social direction are of special importance. Care to children and elderly, numerous schools, healthcare centers, music lyceums and children’s homes built and repaired, special attention to children suffering from thalassemia and diabetes is an integral part of the Foundation’s work. The key objectives of the Foundation feature helping people needing a special care, bring up children and youth as citizens with a comprehensive knowledge, solve social problems of local importance, discover and develop the creative potential, knowledge and skills of people. The social activities comprise construction of dwelling buildings for youth graduated from children’s homes and boarding schools, restoration of religious institutions and communities, construction and restoration of kindergartens, creation of children’s entertainment centers, measures taken to enhance relations with other states (construction of a school for girls in Pakistan, Friendship Park in Sarajevo, Friendship Bridge in Astrakhan and so on). Such project as “Assurance of access of blind and visually impaired children to ICT”, performed on the initiative of Mrs Mehriban Aliyeva, is a kindness, humanism with no alternative. Since 2004, schoolbags and educational supplies are traditionally distributed in the beginning of a new school year to first graders from refugee and IDP families as part of the Support to Education Project.  

Azerbaijan-Greece relationships: towards strategic partnership

Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Greece is of pretty wide character. Diplomatic relations of Azerbaijan with this state were established in April 1992. Greek embassy in Azerbaijan was opened on May 27, 1993, Azerbaijan opened its embassy in this country on April 16, 2004. Meetings and visits on the levels of presidents and ministers have contributed to the development of bilateral ties between the two states. State visit President Ilham Aliyev paid to Greece on June 15, 2014 showed these relations have entered a new period of development.

An important part of relationship between Azerbaijan and Greece is associated with energy security. Greek-Azerbaijani relations are of strategic importance here. TAP gas pipeline which will carry natural gas from Azerbaijan to Europe via Greece deepens bilateral economic cooperation. The TAP project is not only a project of energy security. At the same time, it has raised the friendly ties between the two countries to an even higher level. The Shah Deniz, TANAP and TAP projects initiated by Azerbaijan are currently the largest infrastructure projects in Europe. As a result of these projects, Azerbaijan will export its natural gas to European markets for decades to come. President of Greece Karolos Papoulias hailed the acquisition on the part of the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan of most of the shares of Greek company DESFA as a positive development.

Three documents opening up new opportunities for the expansion of bilateral relations between the countries were signed as part of the visit: a memorandum between Greece and Azerbaijan on issues of the European Union, an agreement on cooperation in the field of agriculture and a memorandum on cooperation in youth affairs. Thus, huge potential to deepen our political, economic and cultural relations, accompanied by well-organized cooperation in energy sphere, was confirmed. In short, the visit proved the bilateral relations are enhancing towards the strategic partnership. Confidence in faster development of these relations in future was expressed.

National security system

National security of every state is related to regional and global security. In this respect, one of the key factors strengthening the independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan is creation of the national security system. Creation of the national security system is linked to the following factors:

- Azerbaijan possesses rich energy resources, favorable natural climate, rich soil;

- Domestic market meeting the requirements of economic integration, labor resources, social infrastructure;

- Favorable geographic position.

The legal bases to the national security of the Republic of Azerbaijan are Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, valid laws and normative acts, also international documents recognized by the Republic of Azerbaijan. Closely cooperating with the UN and all other international and regional organizations, the Republic of Azerbaijan contributes to the protection of international security and peace. Using all its opportunities, independent Azerbaijan takes active part in the modern international security system, performs serious activities to control and eliminate the new challenges emerging under the influence of existing realities, also protect national interests.  

The Republic of Azerbaijan makes efforts to exactly conform its actions towards assurance of international security to activities aiming at the removal of threats to the national interests and security. The main problem to our country today is the restoration of territorial integrity.

Protection of national interests of the independent state of Azerbaijan, implementation of internal and foreign policy, as well correct evaluation of crossing and clashing interests of the world states depend a lot on the work of the national security system. Security of Azerbaijan is very important for security of the whole region. It features a help to Azerbaijan to guarantee stability and security in the country to deliver the region’s energy resources to world markets. 

12.08.2014 Attitude of USA on the Nagorno-Karabakh problem

An important actor demonstrating an activity in the settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem is superstate USA, one of the OSCE Minsk group co-chairs. The US always approaches the Nagorno-Karabakh problem from the aspect coordinated with its relations with Russia. This problem is the main obstacle to USA, which always competes with Russia concerning the delivery of the Caspian resources to global markets. To keep primacy on the development of the energy sources in the region, the US makes efforts to reduce the influence of the regional and other actors. Russia is surely the major target here. On the other hand, USA, which was not involved in the ethnic conflicts occurred in the region in the time of Bill Clinton, became one of the leading actors in the resolution of the conflict after the September 11, 2001 stories. It was the result of the diplomatic steps taken by our republic and its support to the fight with international terrorism.      

The attitude of the US on Nagorno-Karabakh is characterized as follows:

1)     Supporting the phasic solution of the problem;

2)     The principle of multilateralism in the settlement of the problem;

3)     To keep the Islamic Republic of Iran as far from the problem as possible;

4)     Strengthening the democracy in the region.

There are several causes why USA does not take serious steps for the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh problem, though the Republic of Azerbaijan has risen today up to the level of strategic partnership with this state: 

1) Trying to keep Russia, world’s another strong state, away from the region, USA does not wish to be in a strict confrontation with this country in this affair;

2) The Armenian lobby in the US is able to influence this state’s policy in the Nagorno-Karabakh problem;

3) USA is between contradictious interests. Developing cooperation with Armenia under the impact of the Armenian lobby on one hand, the US is eager to have a share in the production and transportation of the Azerbaijani oil on the other hand.

However, Azerbaijan has the support of USA in this matter in the past years. But the failure of the efforts the co-chair countries, where Armenian lobby is strong, make for the solution of the conflict shows the Azerbaijani diplomacy needs to be more active.   

All ways lead to Karabakh...

Breaking a ceasefire, Armenia has for several days been shooting our positions in different directions, which has caused a war atmosphere in the region. According to official information, fights at the front left 13 persons martyr and some wounded. Information on numerous losses of Armenia is not disclosed. In any case, this way is used, since this information will accelerate the ruin of the country that is already being destructed.

Battles ongoing today at the front prove the patience of long years is lost. Then, what is the difference between the Karabakh war of the 90s and fights started these days? Of course, the high-level army of Azerbaijan and ending power of Armenia…

Nowadays, Azerbaijan has proved to be the most developed country in South Caucasus in all aspects. Azerbaijan, the strategic partner to a number of strong states, has a strong political will, powerful army. With about 4 billion USD military budget, our state possesses an army equipped with state-of-the-art weapons, tanks and artillery.  

However, to always support the peace does not exclude our capacity to make war. For all this time we kept patience not to shed blood, not to make mothers cry, leave children orphan, families without head.    

But the latest stories showed it is time to give the enemy a response it deserves. Armenians are about to fall into the trap they set for us. Azerbaijan’s demonstration of power in the last days made Armenians move the population they artificially settled in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan and withdraw with a mass loss of soldier.

It all proves that no matter how much we love peace, we are able to have our lands back via war when it is necessary. Even if we have martyrs in this way, the flag of Azerbaijan will be waving in Karabakh at last!!! 

The beginning of successful welfare

Heydar Aliyev's return to the government in 1993 upon the will and request of the people laid the foundation for the dramatic changes in the political and economic life of Azerbaijan. Heydar Aliyev's return to the Azerbaijani leadership identified the implementation of economic reforms, transition to market economy, foundation of economic development, integration of Azerbaijan into the global economy, privatization programme and implementation of agrarian reforms as the key priorities.

Genius leader Heydar Aliyev, who managed to prevent big disasters in Azerbaijan, initiated the conduction of measures for the economic growth of the country. First Vice President of SOCAR, MP Ilham Aliyev was from the very first days involved in the process of negotiations and became the most active participant in the development and successful accomplishment of the new oil strategy. He adhered to the following brief and strong idea in his activity: "Our objective is not only to produce oil, to transport it and get incomes. We must use the oil revenues, also political, economic and other incomes to ensure the interests and welfare of the people.” Realization of this contract is bright reflection of implementation of oil strategy prepared by Heydar Aliyev, which is the basis to the economic development concept of independent Azerbaijan. To Heydar Aliyev, the major idea of his oil strategy was more effective use of rich natural resources of Azerbaijan for prosperity of the people. The first international oil contract reflecting economic sovereignty of Azerbaijan laid the foundation of dynamic economic development of the country and its practical results are visible today. Participation of Azerbaijan in big international projects, restoration of great Silk Road, passage of transport corridors from Azerbaijani territory is the outcome of implementation of Heydar Aliyev’s oil strategy.

All these achievements were not gained easily. Building independent partnership relations with foreign states was of great importance for Azerbaijan, which had weak independence traditions at the time and lands of which were under occupation. Every country to be involved in the contract, particularly influential Western states had to act as an additional guarantor for Azerbaijan’s sovereign rights and state independence. Russia and Iran had specific position concerning hydrocarbon resources of Azerbaijan’s Caspian sector and sector division of the Sea. Involving foreign states in the Caspian oil-gas projects, Azerbaijan was trying to have their support, use their power to defeat pressures from Iran and Russia. Azerbaijan was searching for international partners in the Armenian-Azerbaijani, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. In this sense, Caspian oil could be very important factor to conform interests of Azerbaijan and Western states, establish partnership relationships. Thus, due to active diplomacy of Heydar Aliyev, Azerbaijan could achieve a fundamental change in the attitude of democratic states and leading public organizations of the world towards the armed conflict, which it is involved in by use of force.

BTC – reality of the legend of 3 seas

One of the major tools lifting the geopolitical importance of the Republic of Azerbaijan, ensuring its national interests is related to the factor of oil in the world. Location of Azerbaijan in the geographic space rich in oil resources was correctly evaluated by national leader Heydar Aliyev in the 1990s and the oil strategy of the state was directed to the national interest. Construction of BTC made the legend of 3 seas real. Addressing the opening ceremony of conference of the legend of 3 seas in Istanbul on June 25, 2002, Heydar Aliyev said: “I see, it was impossible to imagine we will come from Caspian Sea to Black Sea and will move from there till Mediterranean Sea. The 2000 km long huge oil pipeline is under construction. It is a legend indeed.” On May 25, 2005, the Azerbaijan segment of BTC main export oil pipeline was launched. Making a speech in the ceremony of opening, President Ilham Aliyev said: “BTC oil pipeline will play a significant role in the assurance of cooperation, peace, security in the region.”

Launch of BTC in 2006 changed Azerbaijani oil to an important factor in the global market, and Azerbaijan gave its first contribution to the assurance of international energy security.

Beside a technical-economic significance, BTC oil pipeline has a big political importance. This pipeline brings nations of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey closer, brings peace and stability to the region, strengthens security, positions of these countries in the world.

The energy policy of our republic serves the region’s political and economic development and prosperity. As the world’s biggest energy project, BTC was a pretty serious step towards the assurance of the global energy security.

“Frozen” conflict

As a result of Armenia’s aggressive policy 20% of our republic’s territory has been occupied, more than a million of our compatriots were displaced from native lands. Historically Azerbaijani lands, our tangible and cultural riches are for years under the occupation of the enemy. 

However, after ceasefire was declared our republic made good use of this opportunity:

- Such global energy project as BTC oil pipeline was realized;

- Firm and sustainable political stability was established in the republic;

- With an independent foreign policy Azerbaijan reinforced its international relations, became leader in South Caucasus.

The principles Azerbaijan adheres to for the resolution of the conflict, theses reflected in the statements our state makes are as follows:

- The conflict must be settled within the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan;

- Relations with Armenia can be established after refugees and IDPs return home;

- Azerbaijan guarantees security of Armenian nation to be settled in Nagorno-Karabakh;

- Nagorno-Karabakh can have an access to Armenia via corridor;

- The status of highest autonomy can be granted to Nagorno-Karabakh and this issue can be discussed in future.

Insincere approach of OSCE Minsk group members to the process of solution of the conflict, their efforts to pursue own geopolitical interests do not deny the alternative of war. The historical speech President Ilham Aliyev delivered at PACE on June 24, 2014 declared to the world that no compromise will be made in this affair. And it is no coincidence that the military-strategic resources of our country are mobilized for the formation of army, a strong defence power is created, military-technical and personnel potential of the armed forces are strengthened. 

Caspian policy of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Governed by the principles of friendly neighborhood, respect to mutual sovereign rights, recognition of territorial integrity, the Republic of Azerbaijan is considered the party making the most constructive suggestion in the development of the convention on the legal status of Caspian. Caspian Sea should reportedly be divided into the respective sectors the sovereign rights and jurisdiction of the coastal states concern, according to the conceptual position of Azerbaijan. Division of the Sea into sectors among the coastal states should be accomplished on the basis of the middle line principles, the experience formed in this sea, the accepted principles of international law and application of sovereign rights of the coastal states in the Sea. According to the position of the Republic of Azerbaijan:

a) Caspian is not an open sea, since it does not have a direct access to the ocean;

b) Caspian is not a closed sea, since it has a natural access to the ocean;

c) Caspian is not an internal sea, an internal reservoir and an internal lake, as it is not located within one state;

d) Caspian is a frontier lake located among 5 states.     

According to the conceptual attitude of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as an international border lake Caspian Sea should be divided into respective sectors the complete sovereignty of the coastal states should be related to. 

According to the suggestion of the Republic of Azerbaijan, sectors of Caspian Sea are created as a result of setting the external boundary of respective sectors of the middle line and considered the state frontier of the Caspian states. Any action of any Caspian state in the sector of other coastal state can be carried out only upon the consent of the latter.

The Republic of Azerbaijan suggests the division of Caspian, as a frontier lake, into sectors among the coastal states, and those sectors should be a part of sovereign territories of the coastal states. 

Having restored its independence, the Republic of Azerbaijan declared its position, based on international law, despite all pressures and non-constructive suggestions of the Russian Federation, which always tries to keep it dependent, and has always held this position. Taking the principles of international law into consideration in the energy projects performed in its sector of Caspian, the Republic of Azerbaijan has been governed by the common national interests of the region states as well and controls today the observance of these principles and interests.

Who are we?

Every nation faces interference in its history. Directing a nation has always been a priority goal to foreign forces. Lifting own desires up to the level of the desire of any nation, basically using its youth in this direction is already the half of the job. Because youth is a motive force of society. But there are nations, which never forget own past, never quit own moral values.

A question can be raised what makes these nations stand up despite so many pressures. Of course, greatness, values of a nation, love for motherland and nation. 

The reason why we are free and strong today is certainly the above mentioned reasons.

Then who are we?

We are the patriot youth of modern Azerbaijan, to which love for nation is always superior to everything, which do their best to further develop Azerbaijan, believe in the future.

It is youth, which do not forget their history and are proud of their past, work for the interest of their nation and state, wherever they live, whose heart beat with love for nation and homeland. 

Today, everyone is aware of the deeds our damned neighbor does against our state and nation. The enemies, which used to call us friend in due time and hit us from behind at the first opportunity, go on by the same tactics. The substance and form of their action against us have changed somehow, however the priority task is implementing a black PR against Azerbaijan and its people and introducing them to the world as a barbarian people.  

Of course, present development of Azerbaijan, varied international events held in the country, participation of Azerbaijani intellectuals and youth in international events, successful propaganda works on Azerbaijan and governmental support to youth in this direction destructed the stereotypes created in due time on Azerbaijan and Azerbaijanis.  

Certainly, efforts of President Ilham Aliyev, who always renders support to Azerbaijani youth, cannot be denied. In his appeal to youth, the President always recommends youth to be educated, useful for nation and state, noting the state will always support them. We – Azerbaijani youth will do our best to justify the belief of the President in us. 

Tolerant country

Hosting the dialogue of cultures for the second time, Azerbaijan, a bridge between East and West, reflecting rich history and culture of centuries, has proved to be a place where different cultures encounter, intercultural solidarity is safeguarded. The idea to hold the forum was suggested just by Azerbaijan, which obviously proves tolerance dominates in our country.  

Azerbaijan has a unique multinational model ruled by religious common life. Throughout centuries Azerbaijan has been a unified state for all nations and religions in these territories. Today, national minorities and ethnic groups live in the true sense of the word as one family in Azerbaijan. One of the factors stimulating Azerbaijan’s successful development is abolition of any kind of discrimination against other nations, protection of stable environment. Representatives of other nations and religions feel like an equal citizen of Azerbaijan.    

The 2nd World Intercultural Dialogue Forum showed except preparing a base to holding the intercultural dialogue, Azerbaijan also makes contributions to the universal culture, mutual exchange of civilizations. Held under the motto “Peaceful common life in multicultural world”, the Forum brought together world famous representatives from up to 100 countries. Participants witnessed Azerbaijan’s development and achievements, confirmed it in their speeches. The main partners of the Forum are UNESCO, UN Civilizations Alliance, CoE, CoE North-South Centre, ISESCO, World Tourism Organization. This indicates the Forum’s importance and necessity that is recognized by the world community. The Forum proved conflicts, serious dangers can be settled via mutual exchange of views, understanding. Also the Forum demonstrated the solution of a number of problems can be reached only with common struggle and efforts, and achievements can be gained through common understanding and bringing states together for existence of the desirable future.  

Such a high level forum allows countries across the world to build mutual cooperative relations with each other in different spheres. The Forum is a successful continuation of the policy of Azerbaijan to integrate into the modern world by joining the new initiatives in all spheres as a strong, trusty and desirable partner. The Forum provided an opportunity to get much more information on Azerbaijan’s rich history, culture, economy, in short, about the realities of Azerbaijan. Participants of the Forum valued Azerbaijan as a tolerant country, expressed opinions on Azerbaijan’s rapid and stable socioeconomic development. All this show the long-term successful policy of Azerbaijan directed for the future has results and is always the focus of international attention.   

As a result, peace, tranquility and stability are related first of all to relationships between peoples and cultures based on mutual respect. Held at the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev, the Forum was a humanist challenge calling on to understanding, mutual cooperation and common discussions among states. The Forum will definitely play an important role in the propaganda of intercultural dialogue, contribute to the enhancement of intercultural relations.  

One nation, two states

Azerbaijan and Turkey, the two states, which enjoy the wealthiest cultural riches among Turkic nations, demonstrate today a strategic partnership under the motto “one nation, two states”. This partnership is sourced from a lot of similarities and common values. Similarities of both countries in language, religion, tradition and psychology have strongly impacted mutual tangible and intangible relationships of the two states throughout history.   

Turkey was the first state having recognized the Republic of Azerbaijan that declared its independence after Soviet Union collapsed. On November 9, 1991, Turkey officially recognized Azerbaijan’s independence and on January 14, 1992 diplomatic relations were established between these two states.

Favorable opportunities were created for development of relations in different directions after Azerbaijan gained independence. However, Azerbaijan’s suitable geopolitical position, various interests of Russia, Iran and Armenia in Azerbaijan, in particular Russia’s efforts to keep Azerbaijan under its influence caused a short-term coldness in Azerbaijan-Turkey relations in the first years of independence. But the return of great leader Heydar Aliyev to the power and the balanced political strategy he pursued restored the historically strong cooperation between the two countries and laid the foundation of strategic cooperation.

Nowadays, the two friendly and brotherly countries develop relations in political, economic, social, military, humanitarian and other fields. In august 2010, Agreement of Strategic Partnership and Mutual Assistance was signed between the two countries as part of the visit of the Turkish President to Azerbaijan. In September the same year Joint Declaration on Instituting the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council was adopted in the 10th summit of Turkic Speaking States Union in Istanbul. These documents strengthened the legal basis to deeper development of bilateral relations.

Thus, historical similarities of religion, language and tradition between Azerbaijan and Turkey contribute today to the development of cultural, political and economic relations between these countries. Relationships between the two brotherly states are developing in all spheres.

The most powerful army in Caucasus

Azerbaijani Soldiers at the parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the Great Victory

One of the biggest achievements Azerbaijan gained in the history of independent statehood was formation of National Army, which has a very strong potential today. Background of Armed Forces in Azerbaijan dates back to the People’s Republic of Azerbaijan.

To accomplish its crafty policy, Russia removed Turkic-Muslim population from army at the time. This caused military inexperience of those nations, which could result in the lack of a regular army to prevent an Armenian aggression. This situation was mentioned in the independence declaration the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan adopted in 1918. The declaration says to defend itself from foreign interventions, neutralize domestic hostile forces, Azerbaijan must have a regular army, set up its armed forces. Because national statehood of a state without an independent army is sentenced to exist under the danger of foreigners.

Necessity for the formation of army resulted in the creation of National Army of Azerbaijan. On June 26, 1918, the first regular military unit – detached Azerbaijan corps was created upon the decision of the Council of Ministers of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan and the Military Ministry of the People’s Republic of Azerbaijan was instituted on August 1. Despite a significant progress was achieved in the sphere of formation of national army of Azerbaijan for the short time, the national army was annulled after the Soviet occupation in April 1920.

However, at the initiative of national leader Heydar Aliyev, who ruled Azerbaijan in Soviet time, very important measures were taken towards formation of army. Thousands of young people were sent under his patronage to receive education in influential higher military schools of former USSR. Majority of officers heading the present National Army of independent Azerbaijan are the graduates of those years. Besides, on the initiative of this wise head of state the first military school named after Jemshid Nakhchyvanski was set up in Baku in 1973. Adopting this decision required a big courage, since the USSR leadership could not be indifferent to the creation of a school playing the role of a basis for the formation of national military personnel in Azerbaijan. Though commissions sent from Moscow to Baku tried to prove there was no need for the military school, a skillful diplomacy of Heydar Aliyev prevented those efforts. This military school has become one of the major bases in the formation of army in Azerbaijan and is of huge importance in the field of formation of military personnel.

The tradition started in the time of the People’s Republic of Azerbaijan was continued and developed after independence was restored. Thanks to the urgent actions taken by genius Azerbaijani Heydar Aliyev, who restored Azerbaijan’s independence, National Army was formed and regular armed forces able to defend Azerbaijan’s national interests were created.

The decree Heydar Aliyev signed on May 22, 1998 declared June 26, the day of creation of the first detached Azerbaijan corps in 1918, the Day of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Great leader Heydar Aliyev has given huge contributions to the training of national military personnel of Azerbaijan.

Global Firepower has ranked the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan 50th among the world’s strongest armies and named the Azerbaijani army the strongest in Caucasus, which should be considered one of the biggest achievements of the independence years.