Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir has been awarded Azerbaijan’s prestigious Patriotic War Medal by the country’s Defence Minister Colonel General Karim Valiyev, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Wednesday.
During a meeting at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, Gen Valiyev presented the medal on behalf of President Ilham Aliyev in recognition of Munir’s “exceptional contributions to Azerbaijan–Pakistan military cooperation.” Established on May 17, 2002, the Patriotic War Medal is a state award given to Azerbaijani and foreign servicemen for their role in strengthening military ties with the Azerbaijani Armed Forces.
Gen Valiyev lauded Pakistan’s consistent efforts in counterterrorism and reiterated Azerbaijan’s resolve to deepen cooperation in defence and security. Upon his arrival, he was presented with a guard of honour by the Pakistan Army.
The two military leaders discussed matters of mutual interest, with a focus on the global and regional security situation. COAS Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong fraternal relations with Azerbaijan and pledged to further consolidate bilateral ties. He also congratulated the visiting dignitary on the successful peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
The Azerbaijani defence chief commended the Pakistan Army’s professionalism and success in the Marka-i-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, and extended best wishes ahead of Pakistan’s Independence Day. COAS Munir, in turn, thanked Azerbaijan for its support during Marka-i-Haq and for sending a military contingent to participate in the Independence Day celebrations.
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Both sides expressed a shared commitment to advancing defence collaboration and promoting joint efforts for regional peace and stability.
Pakistan and Azerbaijan enjoy robust military cooperation, strengthened by high-level visits and defence agreements. In 2023, COAS Munir visited Baku to further enhance bilateral defence ties. That same year, Azerbaijan signed a $1.6 billion agreement with Pakistan to procure JF-17 Block III fighter jets, jointly developed by the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group.