By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, was honoured with Azerbaijan’s prestigious Patriotic War Medal on Wednesday, a recognition of his pivotal role in deepening military ties between the two nations, military said.
Azerbaijan’s Defence Minister, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, presented the award during a ceremony at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army’s media wing.
“On the occasion, Colonel General Karim Valiyev conferred upon Field Marshal Asim Munir, Azerbaijan’s prestigious Patriotic War Medal for ‘Services in the Field of Military Cooperation’, on behalf of President Ilham Aliyev, in recognition of his exceptional contributions in Azerbaijan-Pakistan bilateral military cooperation,” the ISPR statement said.
Instituted on May 17, 2002, the medal is a state honour awarded to servicemen of Azerbaijan, foreign states, and other individuals who have significantly bolstered military cooperation with Azerbaijan’s armed forces.
Valiyev lauded Pakistan’s steadfast efforts in countering terrorism and underscored Azerbaijan’s commitment to expanding defence and security collaboration, the ISPR noted. The visiting delegation was welcomed with a guard of honour by the Pakistan Army upon arrival.
The two military leaders held talks focusing on mutual interests, particularly the evolving global and regional security dynamics, the statement said.
“COAS reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep fraternal bonds with Azerbaijan and reiterated the resolve to further consolidate bilateral relations. The COAS also congratulated the visiting dignitary on the successful conclusion of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia,” the ISPR added.
Valiyev praised the Pakistan Armed Forces for their “professionalism and success” in operations Marka-i-Haq and Bunyanum Marsoos, extending warm wishes for Pakistan’s upcoming Independence Day and Victory celebrations, according to the statement.
In response, Munir expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan’s leadership and people for their solidarity during Marka-i-Haq and for sending an Azeri contingent to participate in Pakistan’s Independence Day ceremony.
“Both military leaders expressed a shared commitment to advancing defence cooperation and promoting joint efforts for regional peace and stability.”
The bond between Islamabad and Baku has grown steadily, underpinned by robust military ties. In 2023, Munir visited Azerbaijan to advance military-to-military cooperation and defence collaboration.
A landmark $1.6 billion deal signed last year saw Azerbaijan acquire JF-17 Block III fighter jets, co-developed by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, cementing the strategic partnership.
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