Aliyev Marks Independence Day With Working Visit to Garabagh

A working visit on a national holiday

President Ilham Aliyev marked Azerbaijan's Independence Day on May 28, 2026, with a working visit to the liberated Garabagh region. The holiday this year coincided with Eid al-Adha, adding to the symbolism of a head of state spending the day in territories restored to Azerbaijani control.

The president's itinerary spanned several towns. In Khojaly, he attended the inauguration of the "Garabagh Textile House" LLC and inspected private houses designated for servicemen. In Khankendi, Aliyev opened a GP Safety LLC enterprise producing work gloves and unveiled a Cultural Center that had undergone a major overhaul.

Security on the agenda in Shusha

In the village of Boyuk Galaderesi in Shusha, Aliyev addressed regional security, noting that wars surround Azerbaijan's periphery. He credited the "Iron Fist," national unity and the army with safeguarding the country, declaring that "no one can displace us from here."

Speaking to residents, the president struck a confident tone about the country's trajectory. "Our strength grows and our opportunities expand with each passing day," he said in Shusha.

A message from Moscow

The same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a congratulatory letter to Aliyev marking Independence Day, with the message timestamped 09:00 on May 28.

"We highly value our friendly and allied relationship with Baku," Putin wrote in the message. The exchange underscored the continued diplomatic ties between the two neighbors on a date central to Azerbaijan's national calendar.