Azerbaijan-Türkiye defence delegation meeting strengthens bilateral ties PHOTO/VIDEO

On February 27, a significant meeting took place between the Azerbaijani Defence Minister, Col-Gen Zakir Hasanov, and a delegation led by the Turkish Deputy Minister of National Defense, Şuay Alpay, who was on a working visit to Azerbaijan.

Hasanov warmly welcomed the Turkish delegation at the Ministry of Defense, expressing satisfaction with their presence in Azerbaijan, Caliber.Az reports citing the ministry.

Emphasizing the deep-rooted friendly and fraternal relations between the two countries, Hasanov underscored the importance of such meetings in furthering military cooperation.

During the meeting, Hasanov provided insights into the operational situation along the Azerbaijani-Armenian conditional border and the ongoing reforms within the Azerbaijan Army under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

In response, Alpay thanked for the warm hospitality and conveyed greetings from the Minister of National Defense of Türkiye, Yaşar Güler. Alpay expressed satisfaction with the current state of Azerbaijani-Turkish military cooperation, highlighting mutual trust and support as key pillars.

The discussions at the meeting centred on prospects for enhancing regional military cooperation, security issues, and other mutual interests. The Ambassador of Türkiye to Azerbaijan, Mr. Cahit Bağcı, also participated in the discussions.

During the exchange, Colonel General Hasanov honoured Alpay with the "100th Anniversary of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic (1918-2018)" jubilee medal, awarded by the President of Azerbaijan.

Following the official meeting, the Turkish delegation engaged with high-ranking Azerbaijani officials, including the First Deputy Minister of Defense – Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Col-Gen Karim Valiyev, and Adviser to the Minister of Defense, Colonel General Bakhtiyar Ersay. Both sides exchanged gifts, and various models of Turkish-made aircraft were presented.

Prior to the meeting, the Turkish delegation paid homage to the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, and the distinguished ophthalmologist, academician Zarifa Aliyeva, at the Alley of Honor. They also visited the Alley of Martyrs and the Turkish Martyrs' Cemetery, laying wreaths and flowers to honour their memory.

The meeting and accompanying events serve to strengthen the enduring bonds of friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Türkiye, particularly in the field of defence and security.