Rawalpindi : In a notable sign of deepening defence relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, Colonel General Karim Valiyev—Azerbaijan’s First Deputy Defence Minister and Chief of General Staff—awarded the prestigious ‘Patriotic War Medal’ to Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, as reported by the military’s public relations arm on Wednesday.
The award, conferred on behalf of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, serves as a token of gratitude for Field Marshal Munir’s contribution in boosting bilateral military cooperation.
As per a release issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), General Valiyev visited General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi and met with Field Marshal Munir. Their talks revolved around shared strategic interests, particularly in light of shifting global and regional security dynamics.
Field Marshal Munir reiterated Pakistan’s strong fraternal bond with Azerbaijan and highlighted Islamabad’s firm resolve to deepen military collaboration between the two nations.
General Valiyev praised the professionalism and operational capabilities of the Pakistan Armed Forces, especially during the conflict period with India—referred to as Marka-e-Haq—which lasted from the April 22 Pahalgam incident to the decisive conclusion of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos on May 10.
Both military heads emphasized a mutual commitment to strengthening defence ties and working together for peace and stability in the broader region.
Earlier, upon reaching GHQ, General Valiyev was accorded a guard of honour by a well-turned-out unit of the Pakistan Army. He also laid a wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada, paying homage to the martyrs.
