Erdoğan reaffirms Türkiye–Azerbaijan solidarity at Kahramanmaraş neighbourhood opening

The deep bond between Türkiye and Azerbaijan was once again highlighted at the opening ceremony of the “Azerbaijan” neighbourhood in Kahramanmaraş on June 19.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye emphasised the enduring unity and brotherhood shared by the two nations, describing the new residential project as a symbol of their inseparable destinies, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

“The ‘Azerbaijan’ neighbourhood in Kahramanmaraş is yet another example embodying the motto ‘One Nation, Two States,’ demonstrating the inseparability of the destinies of our peoples. Today, we once again show the world the unbreakable solidarity and unity of Türkiye and Azerbaijan,” President Erdoğan declared during the ceremony.

Extending warm greetings through President Ilham Aliyev, Erdoğan addressed the ten million people of Azerbaijan, acknowledging their swift support following the devastating earthquakes that struck Türkiye in February 2023.

“We will never forget the solidarity and support of the Azerbaijani people. I would like to express special gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and his wife Mehriban Aliyeva for their helping hand to the Turkish people,” the Turkish President said, calling the “Azerbaijan” neighbourhood a source of pride for the recovering disaster area.

President Erdoğan also praised the cooperation between the State Housing Development Agency of Azerbaijan (MİDA) and Türkiye’s Housing Development Administration (TOKİ), whose partnership made the residential project possible.

Highlighting the recent historic developments in the South Caucasus, Erdoğan reflected on the liberation of Azerbaijani lands after 30 years of occupation.

“Fate has given us the opportunity to witness the liberation of Azerbaijani lands after 30 years of occupation. Today, every corner of Karabakh, liberated under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, forms a unified platform for construction and restoration,” Erdoğan said.

He recalled visiting Lachin on May 28, Azerbaijan’s Independence Day, where he joined President Aliyev in inaugurating an international airport — the third in the liberated region following Fuzuli and Zangilan airports.

“Together with my brother Ilham Aliyev, we took part in opening this new air gateway,” Erdoğan added.

Expressing hope for lasting peace, the Turkish leader said, “I hope that the establishment of peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia will provide fresh momentum to the development and restoration efforts in the region.”

Following the devastating February 2023 earthquake in Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye, Azerbaijan swiftly mobilised humanitarian aid and has since been actively involved in reconstruction efforts. One key project is the “Azerbaijan” neighbourhood in Kahramanmaraş, built with Azerbaijani support. Covering 32 hectares, it includes over 1,300 apartments, a school, a kindergarten, and a cultural centre. The neighbourhood symbolises the strong brotherhood and enduring cooperation between Türkiye and Azerbaijan.

By Vugar Khalilov