The opening ceremony of the Araz-2025 joint military exercise was held in Azerbaijan, AZTV.AZ, citing the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry.
The event began with Azerbaijani and Iranian exercise leaders, along with other senior officials, visiting the monument dedicated to Azerbaijani Martyrs who gave their lives for the Motherland. They laid flowers in tribute.
A moment of silence was observed in honor of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the Martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of both nations. The national anthems of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Islamic Republic of Iran were then performed.
During the ceremony, the exercise leaders addressed the participants, wishing them success and highlighting the significance of the joint drills.
They stressed that the Araz-2025 exercise plays a vital role in strengthening the steadily growing military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran. The exercise also fosters greater mutual trust between the two countries and their armed forces.
The ceremony concluded with a ceremonial march by the military personnel in front of the grandstand.