Colonel General Karim Valiyev - First Deputy Minister of Defence and Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army - met Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ), the military's media wing said on Wednesday.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), during the meeting, COAS Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep fraternal bonds with Azerbaijan and reiterated the resolve to consolidate bilateral relations.

He also congratulated the visiting dignitary on the successful conclusion of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

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Colonel General Valiyev praised the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces, particularly their success in Maarka-e-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos. The Azerbaijani delegation also extended best wishes for Pakistan’s upcoming Independence Day and Victory Celebrations.

Patriotic war medal awarded to Field Marshal Munir

On behalf of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Colonel General Valiyev conferred the Patriotic War Medal upon COAS Asim Munir for “Services in the Field of Military Cooperation.” The award recognised his exceptional contributions to enhancing Azerbaijan–Pakistan military cooperation.

Valiyev commended Pakistan’s unwavering efforts in combating terrorism and reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s determination to expand defence and security collaboration.

COAS thanked Azerbaijan’s leadership and people for their solidarity during Maarka-e-Haq and for sending an Azeri contingent to participate in Pakistan’s Independence Day ceremony. Both leaders expressed a shared commitment to advancing defence cooperation and promoting regional peace and stability.

Ceremonial welcome at GHQ

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 the Yadgar-e-Shuhada to pay tribute to Pakistan’s martyrs.