On May 18, Azerbaijan's Defense Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, along with the First Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army Colonel General Kerim Valiyev, and Deputy Minister of Defense and Commander of the Air Force Lieutenant General Namig Islamzade, met with the family members of martyred National Heroes Vagif Bakhtiyar oglu Gurbanov and Panjali Nurmammad oglu Teymurov.
According to information provided by the Ministry of Defense to the Operative Information Center-OMM, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov expressed his deepest condolences to the families of those martyred in combat. He emphasized that the memory of those who fell for the Motherland is always held in the highest regard. The Minister stressed that, in accordance with the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Alieva, providing care and attention to the families of martyrs remains a constant priority for the state.
The Minister spoke of the glorious Victory achieved in the Patriotic War, highlighting with pride the examples of heroism, bravery, and courage displayed by the martyrs on the battlefield. It was noted that for their exceptional services in maintaining the independence and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and for their bravery in performing combat missions, the first military pilot Vagif Bakhtiyar oglu Gurbanov and Special Forces serviceman Panjali Nurmammad oglu Teymurov were posthumously awarded the title of "National Hero of Azerbaijan" by the relevant decrees of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Following the reading of the decrees, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov presented the "Gold Star" medals and certificates to the family members of the martyred heroes. At the conclusion of the meeting, the family members expressed their gratitude to the leadership of the country and the Ministry of Defense for the attention, care, and the continued honoring of the martyrs' legacy.
The title of "National Hero of Azerbaijan" is the highest honorary title in the Republic of Azerbaijan, awarded for outstanding services of national importance related to the defense of the state and the creation of significant military achievements. Azerbaijan continues to prioritize the social welfare of the families of those who sacrificed their lives during the liberation of occupied territories, ensuring they receive comprehensive state support and recognition for their ultimate sacrifice in restoring the nation's sovereignty.
