Azerbaijani minister salutes Turkish ex-defence chief for efforts to boost bilateral military ties

Azerbaijani Defence Minister Col-Gen Zakir Hasanov has thanked former Turkish National Defence Minister Hulusi Akar for the latter’s contribution to the development of bilateral military cooperation.

Hasanov made the remarks in a letter addressed to Akar, which was posted on the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry website on June 4, Caliber.Az reports.

The letter says: "Mr Hulusi Akar, I express my gratitude to you on behalf of myself and the personnel of the Azerbaijani army for our joint activities during your tenure as the national defence minister of the Republic of Türkiye.

You have always made a great contribution to the development of military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Türkiye and the improvement of the Azerbaijani army, increasing its combat capability.

You have always provided moral support to the Azerbaijani people and our army in the Patriotic War for the liberation of our lands from occupation.

You have always loved Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani army.

I am sure that you will spare no effort to strengthen the armies of both fraternal countries during your activities in the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye.

I congratulate you on my own behalf and on behalf of the personnel of the Azerbaijani army, I wish you success in your future activities."

Furthermore, Hasanov congratulated Yasar Guler as Türkiye’s new defence minister.

"As the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Türkiye, you consistently supported the improvement and increase of the combat capability of the Azerbaijan Army. I am sure that our joint activities will continue at the highest level during your tenure" as the new Turkish defence minister.

The Azerbaijani minister expressed confidence that Guler make a significant contribution to the further development and strengthening of cooperation between the armies of Azerbaijan and Türkiye.

On June 3, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan unveiled the new composition of the Cabinet of Ministers. Guler, who earlier acted as the chief of the General Staff of the Turkish Army, was appointed defence minister.