Azeri defence chief meets COAS, confers Patriotic War Medal

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

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest, with a particular focus on the prevailing global and regional security environment. Field Marshal Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep fraternal bonds with Azerbaijan and expressed the resolve to further strengthen bilateral relations in the defence and security domains.

The COAS also congratulated Colonel General Valiyev on the successful conclusion of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, terming it an important step towards regional stability. The visiting dignitary lauded the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces and their operational successes in “Marka-e-Haq” and “Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.” He extended best wishes for Pakistan’s upcoming Independence Day and Victory Celebrations.

On behalf of President Ilham Aliyev, Colonel General Valiyev conferred Azerbaijan’s prestigious Patriotic War Medal upon Field Marshal Asim Munir. The medal was awarded for his “services in the field of military cooperation,” recognising his exceptional role in strengthening Azerbaijan-Pakistan defence ties.

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The COAS thanked Azerbaijan’s leadership and people for their solidarity with Pakistan during “Marka-e-Haq” and for sending an Azeri contingent to participate in the Independence Day ceremony. Both military leaders expressed a shared commitment to advancing defence cooperation and promoting joint efforts for peace and stability in the region.

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