An official welcoming ceremony for Slovak President Peter Pellegrini was held in Shusha on July 14, marking the start of his visit to Azerbaijan.

President Ilham Aliyev personally welcomed the Slovak leader during the ceremony, which took place in a square adorned with the national flags of both countries, The Caspian Post reports via Azertac.

An honor guard lined up for the occasion, and the commander of the guard reported to President Pellegrini before the national anthems of Azerbaijan and Slovakia were played.

Following the ceremonial proceedings, the honor guard marched past the two presidents to the sound of a military band. Members of the Azerbaijani delegation were introduced to President Pellegrini, while President Aliyev was introduced to members of the Slovak delegation.

The two heads of state also posed for official photographs, underscoring the importance of the visit and the growing diplomatic ties between Azerbaijan and Slovakia.