Military unity in focus as Azerbaijani, Turkish defence chiefs meet in Baku PHOTO/VIDEO

Baku hosted a high-level meeting as Azerbaijani Defence Minister Colonel General Zakir Hasanov met with Türkiye’s Minister of National Defence, Yaşar Güler, who is on an official visit to the country.

The visit underscores the deepening strategic alliance between the two nations, particularly in the fields of defence and security, Caliber.Az reports citing Azerbaijan’s Defence Ministry.

The Turkish delegation kicked off their visit with a solemn tribute to Azerbaijan’s national heritage. Minister Güler and his delegation laid wreaths and paid respects at the graves of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and renowned academician Zarifa Aliyeva in the Alley of Honor. They also visited the Alley of Martyrs and the Turkish Martyrs’ Cemetery, honoring the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the independence and sovereignty of their respective nations.

Continuing the commemorative tour, Minister Güler visited Victory Park and laid a wreath at the Victory Monument, symbolizing the enduring brotherhood and shared triumphs of Türkiye and Azerbaijan.

The official welcome ceremony was held at the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defence, where the visiting delegation was received with military honors. Both countries' national anthems were performed, and Minister Güler signed the Book of Honor, in accordance with diplomatic protocol.

During the formal meeting, Colonel General Hasanov welcomed his Turkish counterpart and praised the trajectory of Azerbaijani-Turkish defence cooperation. He lauded the continued expansion of cooperation between the two allied states, describing it as a cornerstone of regional security.

Minister Hasanov positively assessed the current state and development of cooperation in the field of defence and security within the Azerbaijani-Turkish strategic partnership.

Turkish Minister Güler echoed this sentiment, expressing his appreciation for the warm welcome and emphasizing the importance of such exchanges. He highlighted the significance of mutual visits and such meetings to enhance Azerbaijani-Turkish military relations.

The two ministers also exchanged views on regional security dynamics, defence industry collaboration, and future joint military exercises. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing interoperability between their armed forces and advancing bilateral defence initiatives.

By Vafa Guliyeva