COAS, Azerbaijan Army Chief Vow Stronger Defence Cooperation

RAWALPINDI: Colonel General Karim Valiyev, First Deputy Minister of Defence and Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), at General Headquarters (GHQ) today.

The high-level meeting focused on issues of mutual interest, particularly the regional and global security environment, as well as avenues to enhance bilateral defence cooperation. COAS reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep-rooted fraternal ties with Azerbaijan and expressed strong resolve to further strengthen military and strategic relations between the two nations.

Field Marshal Asim Munir congratulated Azerbaijan on the successful conclusion of the peace agreement with Armenia, and acknowledged the progress toward lasting regional stability. In return, General Valiyev praised the professionalism and operational success of the Pakistan Armed Forces, particularly during Maarka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.

In a significant moment of the visit, Colonel General Valiyev conferred the prestigious Patriotic War Medal on Field Marshal Asim Munir on behalf of President Ilham Aliyev. The award was presented in recognition of COAS’s exceptional contributions to Azerbaijan-Pakistan military cooperation and his continued support for defence collaboration.

The Azerbaijani delegation also extended warm wishes for Pakistan’s Independence Day and Victory Celebrations, thanking the people and leadership of Pakistan for their steadfast support during challenging times. COAS expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan’s solidarity and for sending an Azeri military contingent to participate in Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations.

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Earlier, upon arrival at GHQ, Colonel General Karim Valiyev was presented a guard of honour by a smartly turned-out contingent of the Pakistan Army and laid a floral wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada in tribute to Pakistan’s martyrs.

Both military leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, regional stability, and an ever-growing strategic partnership in defence and security affairs.