An event dedicated to June 26 - Armed Forces Day was held at the Institute of Geography of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The participants first honored the memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan with a minute of silence.

Opening the event, Chairman of the Trade Union Organization of the Institute of Geography, Kamran Ramazanli, congratulated the participants on the occasion of Armed Forces Day. He emphasized the important role of the Azerbaijani Army in safeguarding the country's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, noting that the professionalism and dedication of military personnel are always highly appreciated. Kamran Ramazanli stated that Armed Forces Day is a symbol of the Azerbaijani people's respect and gratitude toward their army.

Later, Lieutenant Colonel Ruslan Mahammadov, Head of the Institute’s Civil Defense Headquarters, spoke about the glorious pages of Azerbaijan’s military history, the traditions of national army building, and the development path of the Armed Forces. He noted that the Azerbaijani Army, equipped with modern weapons and technologies, is today considered one of the strongest military forces in the region and serves as a reliable guarantor of the country’s security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Speaking at the event, Professor Nurulla Aliyev of the Research Institute of the National Defense University, Doctor of Historical Sciences and First-Class Captain (Retired), stated that Azerbaijan possesses rich traditions in military history and national army building. He noted that the foundation of national army building was laid on June 26, 1918, with the establishment of the Separate Azerbaijani Corps by decision of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. The professor also pointed out that the country's first military school began operating in 1917.

During his speech, special emphasis was placed on the contributions of National Leader Heydar Aliyev to the development of the national army. It was noted that, under his initiative, significant steps were taken to train professional military personnel in Azerbaijan and to establish a solid foundation for the formation and development of the modern Azerbaijani Army. It was also recalled that by the Decree of Heydar Aliyev dated May 22, 1998, June 26 was officially declared Armed Forces Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Professor Nurulla Aliyev stressed that Armed Forces Day is not only a commemoration of historical memory but also an expression of confidence in the country's future, security, and strength. He added that the achievements of the modern Azerbaijani Army are the result of national unity, the strength of the state, and the consistent policy pursued in the field of military development.