An event dedicated to the sixth anniversary of Azerbaijan’s historic Victory was held at the University of Essex in the United Kingdom ahead of Victory Day on November 8.
“Operative Information Center-OMM” reports that the event, organized by the university’s Azerbaijani Society, was attended by Ramil Taghiyev, an adviser at the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the United Kingdom; Farid Adilov, a doctoral student at the University of Essex who was elected to serve on the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child for 2027–2031; Ali Khalilov, chair of the university’s Azerbaijani Society; Azerbaijani students; and foreign guests.
Participants paid tribute to the memory of those who laid down their lives for the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.
Videos highlighting Azerbaijan’s history and culture, the Victory in the 44-day Patriotic War, and the country’s modern development were shown during the event.
In his remarks, Ramil Taghiyev said the historic victory won by the Azerbaijani Army under the leadership of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev in the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020 held exceptional significance in the country’s modern history. He said the liberation of Shusha from occupation on November 8, 2020, had become a symbol of the Azerbaijani people’s national unity, resolve and determination. He also highlighted the leadership of the President of Azerbaijan, the heroism of the Armed Forces, the sacrifice of those killed in the war, and the solidarity of the people as key factors in the historic Victory.
Addressing the role of Azerbaijani youth studying abroad in promoting the country internationally and advancing Azerbaijan–UK relations, the diplomat said students were unofficial representatives of Azerbaijan. He urged young people to take an active role in promoting Azerbaijan’s history, culture and modern development in their host countries, and to apply the knowledge and experience they gain to the country’s development in the future.
In his speech, Farid Adilov said Victory Day held a special place in the Azerbaijani people’s national memory and statehood history, and that the historic victory had created new opportunities for the country’s future development. Adilov also stressed the importance of Azerbaijan’s representation on the international stage, particularly its active participation in human rights, education and science. He said Azerbaijani students abroad could help raise the country’s profile in international academic and professional circles, while preserving their connection to their national identity and historical heritage and acquiring modern knowledge and skills.
Ali Khalilov said the 44-day Patriotic War was a major turning point in Azerbaijan’s history, adding that the historic Victory embodied the nation’s unity, solidarity and determination to defend its statehood. He also said every Azerbaijani student studying abroad had a moral responsibility to represent the country with distinction and share Azerbaijan’s history and realities with the international community.
The event also included an exchange of views with Azerbaijani students and foreign guests, as well as discussions on Azerbaijan’s history, cultural heritage and modern development, and prospects for Azerbaijan–UK relations.
