Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday extended felicitations to Azerbaijan as the country celebrated its 29th Independence anniversary.

In a tweet, the premier paid tribute to Azeri forces “for valiantly defending their territorial integrity” and reiterated Pakistan’s support in its quest to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh dispute as per UNSC resolutions.

“I Extend Warmest Felicitations to (President) Ilham Aliyev and fraternal people of Azerbaijan on their Independence Day,” the prime minister wrote on Twitter.

I extend warmest felicitations to @presidentaz & fraternal people of #Azerbaijan on their Independence Day. We pay tribute to Azeri forces valiantly defending their territorial integrity.
?? stands with ?? in its quest to resolve Nagorno-Karabakh issue as per UNSC resolutions

— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) October 18, 2020

Azerbaijan first declared independence from the Russian Tsar under the chairmanship of Mehmet Emin Resulzade on May 28, 1918, but was occupied by the Soviet Union after a short period of two years.

In 1991, Azerbaijan re-established its status as an independent state on Oct. 18 – the day when Independence Day is celebrated annually across the country.