A ceremony marking the 67th anniversary of Victory over fascism in World War II has been held in Baku.

The ceremony was joined by President Ilham Aliyev.

The Azerbaijani people have made a significant contribution to the historic victory over fascism. Our people own huge merits for the historic victory of the Soviet Union in this war. Azerbaijan sent more than 600,000 of its sons and daughters to the frontline. Almost half of them were killed. Over 130 Azerbaijani citizens were awarded the title of Heroes of the Soviet Union for their heroism in the war, while more than 170,000 of Azerbaijani soldiers and officers were awarded various orders and medals.

The 77th, 223rd, 336th, 402nd and 416th National Rifle Divisions formed from Azerbaijani conscripts and volunteers covered a glorious road from the Caucasus to Berlin. Hundreds of our countrymen fought in guerrilla units. The historic feats of the sons and daughters of Azerbaijan in World War II will never be forgotten and will always serve as an example of patriotism for the young generation.

The contribution of the oil-rich Baku to the great victory was also invaluable. Azerbaijan accounted for three quarters of the oil, 85-90 per cent of the aviation fuel and high-quality oils produced in the Soviet Union during the war.

The nationwide leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, had always treated the problems of war veterans with great care and attention. This policy of the great leader is continued by President Ilham Aliyev. Clear evidence of such attention has been the provision, on the eve of Victory Day, of one-time financial assistance to war veterans and their families in accordance with a presidential decree.

War veterans, public figures and residents of the city who had gathered at a statue of an outstanding military commander of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, the valiant son of the Azerbaijani people, Maj-Gen of Tank Corps, Hero of the Soviet Union Hazi Aslanov, welcomed President Ilham Aliyev with great respect.

A guard of honor was arranged.

The President saluted war veterans and congratulated each of them on the occasion of Victory Day.

President Ilham Aliyev enquired about issues of concern for the veterans who have gone through the ordeals of the 1941-1945 war. Recalling that they would never forget the care and attention of nationwide leader Heydar Aliyev, the veterans expressed their appreciation to President Aliyev who has been successfully continuing the political path of the great leader, stressing that they would support him in all everything.

The head of state laid a wreath at the statue of the Hero of the Soviet Union Hazi Aslanov, and paid a tribute to the memory of the brave commander and courageous sons of the Azerbaijani people who have shown unprecedented heroism in World War II.

President Ilham Aliyev had his picture taken with veterans of World War II.

The guard of honor marched in front of the Commander-in-Chief under the accompaniment of a military march.

Then President Ilham Aliyev met with family members of Maj-Gen of Tank Corps, two-time Hero of the Soviet Union Hazi Aslanov, and congratulated them on Victory Day.

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The ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister Artur Rasizadeh, Parliament Speaker Ogtay Asadov, Head of the Presidential Administration Ramiz Mehdiyev and other officials.