From the Three-Coloured Flag to the Glory of Victory: Azerbaijan Celebrates Its History and National Unity in Cairo
Ambassador Elkhan Polukhov: Azerbaijan’s victory was the fruit of national unity and the courage of its Armed Forces; Egyptian-Azerbaijani relations stand as a model of brotherhood, cooperation and stability
By Ashraf AboArafe
AMID an atmosphere blending national pride, memories of sacrifice and the spirit of victory, the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Cairo celebrated Victory Day and National Flag Day, attended by members of the Egyptian government, Parliament and Senate, diplomats, and members of the Azerbaijani community in Egypt. The occasion commemorated significant milestones in Azerbaijan’s modern history. In his address, Ambassador Elkhan Polukhov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Egypt, described 8 November as an unforgettable date in the hearts of the Azerbaijani people and a lasting symbol of national strength, determination and unity. He began by inviting attendees to observe a minute of silence in honour of the martyrs who fell during the Patriotic War, paying tribute to their sacrifices and heroism. Polukhov explained that, under a decree issued by President Ilham Aliyev on 3 December 2020, 8 November was officially designated as Victory Day in Azerbaijan. The date commemorates the victory achieved during the 44-day Patriotic War, which resulted in the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and brought an end to nearly three decades of Armenian military occupation, according to the Ambassador. He stressed that the unity of the people and government, under the leadership of President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, together with the courage of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, constituted the foundations of this historic achievement, accomplished on both military and diplomatic fronts. The Ambassador highlighted the liberation of Shusha on 8 November 2020, describing the city as the crown jewel of Karabakh and Azerbaijan’s cultural capital. He said this event marked a defining moment in the nation’s history, adding that the bravery of the martyrs and veterans would remain deeply rooted in the memory of future generations. He noted that the occasion is not merely a commemoration of military victory; it also celebrates the enduring bonds of brotherhood between Azerbaijan, Türkiye and Pakistan, as well as the support extended by other brotherly countries. Addressing the transformations Azerbaijan has undergone over the past six years, Polukhov explained that his country had launched the Great Return Programme to rebuild the liberated territories and transform devastated towns and villages into modern communities equipped with advanced infrastructure, smart technologies and green energy solutions. He emphasised that the ultimate objective of these efforts is to ensure the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons to their ancestral homes, describing their return as the most meaningful demonstration of the true humanitarian significance of Azerbaijan’s victory. The Ambassador added that, having consolidated its sovereignty and territorial integrity, Azerbaijan is now committed to supporting sustainable peace and regional cooperation in the South Caucasus. His country is actively participating in the process of normalising relations with Armenia, based on mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. In this regard, he referred to the historic summit held in Washington, D.C., on 8 August 2025, with the participation of the leaders of Azerbaijan, the United States and Armenia. He stressed that, from Azerbaijan’s perspective, concluding a peace treaty requires Armenia to fully address the territorial claims against Azerbaijan contained in its Constitution and respect the new realities on the ground. Turning to humanitarian challenges, Polukhov warned that landmines remain among the most dangerous legacies of the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, continuing to claim lives long after the cessation of hostilities. According to the figures presented in his address, between the end of the war in 2020 and 30 September 2026, 276 landmine incidents resulted in 441 casualties, including women and children. He further stated that the total number of landmine victims in Azerbaijan over the past three decades has exceeded 3,500. He emphasised that mine clearance and assistance to victims represent urgent humanitarian priorities, particularly because the widespread presence of landmines obstructs the safe return of displaced families, reconstruction efforts, economic development and agricultural activities in the liberated territories. The Ambassador then turned to Egyptian-Azerbaijani relations, recalling Egypt’s celebration of the anniversary of the glorious 6 October 1973 Victory last month. He described this historic event as more than a military triumph, calling it a unique embodiment of national will and popular unity, through which the Egyptian people drew strength and resilience from their rich history. Expressing his pride in celebrating Azerbaijan’s national occasion alongside friends and colleagues in Cairo, Polukhov underscored the deep historical, cultural and religious ties connecting the two countries. He noted that both nations had defended their territorial integrity and liberated occupied lands, and that they now serve as pillars of stability and peace in their respective regions. He also recalled the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit, hosted by Egypt on 13 October 2025 and co-chaired by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and US President Donald Trump, with the participation of leaders from more than twenty countries, including Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The Ambassador explained that the historic summit aimed to end the war in the Gaza Strip and strengthen peace and stability in the Middle East. He also referred to the agreement concerning Gaza signed by Egypt, Qatar and Türkiye during the summit. Polukhov reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s full support for a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian conflict and for all initiatives aimed at achieving this objective and ending the suffering of the Palestinian people. Concluding his address, Ambassador Elkhan Polukhov highlighted National Flag Day, celebrated in Azerbaijan on 9 November every year. The occasion commemorates the adoption of Azerbaijan’s three-coloured national flag by the government of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic on 9 November 1918. He affirmed that National Flag Day, alongside Victory Day, provides an opportunity to honour the country’s history, take pride in its national identity and look ahead to a future marked by prosperity and regional cooperation. These historic occasions, he stressed, renew Azerbaijan’s commitment to honouring the courage and sacrifices of its martyrs and veterans, while celebrating the unity of its people and safeguarding the country’s national achievements. The Ambassador concluded by quoting the words of President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev: “Glory to the Azerbaijani people! Glory to our Armed Forces! Long live Azerbaijan!” Happy Victory Day!Shusha: The Memory of Victory and the Symbol of National Identity
The Great Return: From Ruins to the Cities of the Future
Landmines: Unhealed Wounds and Obstacles to Return
Egypt and Azerbaijan: Shared Victories and Bridges of Brotherhood
The National Flag: Three Colours Reflecting the Identity of a Nation
