Azerbaijan, Türkiye hold flag-exchange ceremony ahead of joint military drills VIDEO

Azerbaijan and Türkiye held a flag-exchange ceremony as part of preparations for the joint “Heydar Aliyev-2026” military drills in the Turkish city of Kars, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence announced.

A column of Azerbaijan’s colour guard company departed from Nakhchivan, moving from the headquarters of the Separate Combined Arms Army to the “Umid” Bridge over the Araz River. Simultaneously, the Turkish colour guard set off from Kars to the ceremony venue, Caliber.Az reports. 

Upon meeting on the bridge, the national anthems of Azerbaijan and Türkiye were played, and the flag exchange formally took place.

Lieutenant General Kanan Sayidov, Commander of Azerbaijan’s Separate Combined Arms Army, highlighted the significance of joint military cooperation and wished participants success in the upcoming exercises. Following the ceremony, personnel proceeded to the exercise site.

The “Heydar Aliyev-2026” drills aim to plan and execute joint operations in line with modern warfare principles, enhance coordination, exchange military experience, and improve the skills of participating personnel. Combat operations will be conducted under varying conditions, with special tasks included in the exercise plan.

By Sabina Mammadli