Azerbaijan marks State Sovereignty Day, tracing path from second Karabakh war to sovereignty
By : JD News Editor
Jordan Daily – Azerbaijan commemorated its State Sovereignty Day on September 20, marking the restoration of full constitutional control over Karabakh after decades of conflict, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Amman said in a statement received by Jordan Daily.
The statement noted that the milestone follows a series of military and political developments beginning with the Second Karabakh War, which erupted on September 27, 2020. During the 44-day conflict, Azerbaijani forces under President Ilham Aliyev regained control of territories occupied by Armenian forces for more than 30 years, including Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Zangilan, Gubadli, and the historic city of Shusha, recaptured on November 8, 2020.
Despite these gains, Armenian armed groups remained in parts of Karabakh, challenging Azerbaijan’s sovereignty. A decisive local operation on September 19–20, 2023, swiftly ended separatist control within 23 hours, reestablishing the constitutional order and giving rise to the State Sovereignty Day celebrated annually in Azerbaijan.
Following the restoration of sovereignty, Azerbaijan launched extensive reconstruction programs in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, including infrastructure, energy, and social facilities, as well as the “Great Return” program to resettle former internally displaced persons.
A major ongoing challenge remains landmines and unexploded ordnance left behind during the occupation. The statement reported that nearly one million mines pose ongoing risks to civilians and workers, with around 400 casualties recorded since the 2020 war’s end. Large-scale demining efforts continue with international support.
It also highlighted progress in regional diplomacy. A breakthrough came on August 8, 2025, when the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia signed a peace agreement in the United States, in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump. The accord aims to ensure lasting peace, normalize relations, and strengthen regional stability.
Jordan has been recognized as a consistent supporter of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. Following the peace agreement, King Abdullah II of Jordan called President Aliyev to offer congratulations, emphasizing the countries’ longstanding friendship and commitment to South Caucasus stability. The Jordan-Azerbaijan Friendship Society also sent a letter expressing solidarity and support for the peace accord, the statement noted.
“Today, Azerbaijan stands as a state that has fully restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty, seeking peace, cooperation, and development as guiding principles of its regional and international policy,” the statement said.
