Starting the New Year with a demonstration of unity and solidarity has become a good tradition for Azerbaijanis worldwide for over thirty years. The formalization of this tradition is associated with the name of the great leader Heydar Aliyev, and our people always remember his memory with deep respect.

Our solidarity gives us the strength to realize our national ideals. The liberation of our lands from occupation by our brave army under the leadership of the Honorable President, the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, and the full restoration of the territorial integrity and state sovereignty of our country are clear expressions of this. The whole world now knows us as a victorious people, a victorious state.

The year 2024, which we have set out, has also been largely successful for our country and people. Our achievements and development are sustainable. This is evident in all areas: from the economy to sports, everywhere…

We can support each other both in our good days and in our difficult moments. We shared the pain of the plane crash that occurred a few days ago and resulted in numerous casualties. The fact that, by the Decree of the President, three deceased members of the professional and brave crew of the plane were awarded the honorary title of National Hero of Azerbaijan, and two of them were awarded the Order of “Rashadat” is a great consolation for each of us. I once again wish God’s mercy to the pilots and passengers who lost their lives in the accident and healing to the wounded.

Of course, such extraordinary events can never make us pessimistic! The state and people of Azerbaijan believe and trust in their strength!

In 2025, we are waiting for happy days full of joy, victory, and progress. It is the 30th anniversary of the Basic Law of our independent state—our Constitution—and the 5th anniversary of our magnificent Karabakh victory. By the Decree of the President, 2025 was declared the “Year of Constitution and Sovereignty” in Azerbaijan. As stated in the decree, today, Azerbaijan continues its independent policy more courageously and with principle, confidently moving towards the strategic goals ahead.

I congratulate everyone on December 31, the Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis, and the arrival of the new year – 2025. I wish happiness, prosperity, and abundant sustenance to every home and family!

Happy New Year!

Azer Askerov

September 27 holds a significant place in Azerbaijan’s history. On this day, our country solemnly commemorates the brave sons and daughters who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of our native lands and the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. This day has become a symbol of the heroism, courage, and unbreakable will of the Azerbaijani people in their fight for justice and the return of territories occupied by Armenian armed forces for more than 30 years.

For decades, the unresolved conflict was tied to the occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding regions. These lands, which are an integral part of Azerbaijan’s historical and cultural heritage, were held under Armenia’s control for more than 30 years, with the silent consent of the international community. During this period, the Azerbaijani people endured numerous tragedies, destruction, and suffering. Thousands were forced to leave their homeland, which had turned into a battlefield.

However, despite these hardships, the Azerbaijani people never lost faith in justice. The years of occupation could not break the spirit of those who were ready to sacrifice their lives to restore the country’s sovereignty.

On September 27, 2020, the Patriotic War began, playing a decisive role in Azerbaijan’s struggle for its territories. Over 44 days, the Azerbaijani armed forces engaged in fierce battles, liberating the occupied lands. In this war, many heroes lost their lives, fulfilling their duty to the homeland with honor and dignity. Each martyr’s name is a story of courage and self-sacrifice, a testament to loyalty to the nation and homeland.

The fourth anniversary of this historic event is marked by the significant steps taken to restore the areas devastated during the years of occupation, thanks to the wise leadership of our country’s president, Ilham Aliyev. Due to the government’s active work, numerous homes and infrastructures in the liberated lands of Karabakh have already been rebuilt and restored. Gradually, the regions that had turned into ruins over the decades are coming back to life. Former displaced persons who were forced to leave their homes can now return to their lands. Families have already been resettled in Shusha, Lachin, Fuzuli, Zangilan, and Khojaly, where life is starting anew.

Karabakh, once destroyed and ravaged, is now being rebuilt, reclaiming its rhythm and former beauty. Soon, the residents of Jabrayil, Kalbajar, and Aghdam will also return to their native places. The restoration of houses, schools, hospitals, and other vital infrastructure continues rapidly, and these areas are preparing to welcome new residents. Karabakh is reviving: streets once ruled by silence are now filled with children’s laughter and the joyful voices of people. The first weddings have taken place in Shusha and Khankendi, and hospitable, joyful Karabakh is once again welcoming its guests. Following a new tradition, all events begin with paying tribute to the memory of the heroes who ensured this return at the cost of their lives.

Martyrs are those who spared no effort for future generations, for peace and prosperity in Azerbaijan. Their courage is a source of strength and inspiration for every citizen of the country. September 27 has become the day when the entire nation bows in respect before those who remained eternally young and gave their all for the freedom and independence of the homeland.

Today, events commemorating the memory of the martyrs are organized throughout the country. Lessons on patriotism are held in schools and universities, where young people learn about the history of Azerbaijan’s struggle for territorial integrity, and prayers are offered in mosques and public squares for the martyrs. It is essential for every Azerbaijani citizen to remember the cost of this victory and to keep the memory of the martyrs alive in their hearts forever.

Their heroism is a symbol of national pride, a testament to how spiritual strength and love for the homeland can overcome any obstacle.

Azer Askerov

At a time when we were experiencing the joy of the historic victory in the cudo competitions of the XXXIII Olympic Bow Games held in Paris, the capital of France, we also received good news from our young cudo players: Tallinn, the capital of Estonia At the European Championships, they took first place according to the results of both the individual races and the mixed command race. Our group team participated in the championship with 16 athletes (9 boys, 7 girls) and won 8 medals in individual races: 4 red, 2 silver and 2 silver. Red medals were brought to our country by Vüsal Qələndərzadə (-73 kq), Süleyman Şükürov (-81 kq), Könül Əliyeva (-48 kq) and Fidan Əlizadə (-57 kq).

In the command race, our troopers reached the final by defeating the Bolgarian, Turkish and Dutch commands, and in this race they succeeded in prevailing over the French command. This is the highest result ever achieved by our young players in the European championships.

Our tricolor flag was raised many times and our chant was voiced.

The success of our young wrestlers, the 2 red and 2 third medals won by the young wrestlers in the world championship in Lima, the capital of Peru, shows that this type of training has developed dynamically in our country, and the Azerbaijani team in the Paris Olympiad It confirms once again that the triumph of the system is not accidental.

The successors of our Olympian champions – Nazimin, Elnurun, Hidayətin and Zelim are growing, and the fame of our national team school has increased rapidly in recent years.

This, of course, shows that the young generation in our country has a high interest in this magnificent form of exercise, and that the Azerbaijan Football Federation approaches its work with proper and fruitful responsibility.

Let us remember what the honorable President İlham Aliyev said when he congratulated our athletes during his meeting with the Azerbaijani athletes and their players who won medals at the Paris Olympics: “… Affairs, training in the Federation “When the love process is established properly and the weather is good, the result is, of course, in the eye.” .

I wholeheartedly congratulate the members of the mass command of Azerbaijan, which consists of young people, and the soldiers, and I am happy for the success of my friend Elkhan Mammadov, the chief soldier. Their success as a training team also enriches our national moral values.

Good luck, dear friends!

Azer Askerov