President Aliyev hails Türkiye–Azerbaijan ties at neighbourhood inauguration “We stand by each other”

President Ilham Aliyev underscored the deep and enduring brotherhood between Türkiye and Azerbaijan during the opening ceremony of the “Azerbaijan” neighbourhood in Kahramanmaraş on June 19.

“We stand by each other in both good times and difficult times, strengthening one another. Today, the Türkiye–Azerbaijan brotherhood and unity is a key factor not only in our region but also on a global scale,” President Aliyev said, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Reflecting on the historic Shusha Declaration signed four years ago, the President stated, “Four years ago, together with the Honorable President, we signed the Shusha Declaration in the city of Shusha, which elevated our relations to the highest level. The Shusha Declaration officially raised our ties to the level of alliance.”

Highlighting the comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, he added, “We are friends, brothers, and allies. In the political, economic, energy, transport, military, and all other fields, Türkiye and Azerbaijan – two brotherly countries – are advancing side by side with confidence and success.”

President Aliyev also noted the mutual support between the two countries during challenging times. “Azerbaijan has always stood by Türkiye, and Türkiye has always stood by Azerbaijan,” he said.

“Our joint participation in today’s opening of the Azerbaijan neighborhood with my dear brother is yet another manifestation of our unity and friendship,” the head of state emphasized.

Speaking about the Karabakh conflict, President Aliyev expressed gratitude for Türkiye’s early and unwavering support. “As you mentioned, on the Karabakh issue, my dear brother, esteemed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and I stood shoulder to shoulder from the very first day of the war,” he said.

“The support, solidarity, and political and moral backing extended by the President of Türkiye in the very first hours of the war, along with the unity of the Turkish people with us, gave us additional strength and enabled us to restore historical justice. Today, the people of Azerbaijan live in peace and security on their ancestral lands,” he noted.

Addressing the humanitarian response to the February 6, 2023 earthquake in Türkiye, President Aliyev praised the empathy and solidarity of the Azerbaijani people. “The people of Azerbaijan regarded this tragedy (the February 6, 2023 earthquake) as their own,” he said.

“From the very first day, tens of thousands of Azerbaijanis in Baku and other cities across the country rushed to aid centers to provide humanitarian assistance, fulfilling their fraternal duty,” the President concluded.

On February 6, 2023, a powerful earthquake devastated the Kahramanmaraş region of Türkiye, causing significant loss of life and damage. Azerbaijan promptly responded with humanitarian aid and has since played an active role in the region’s recovery. As a symbol of their deep friendship and solidarity, Azerbaijan financed and helped build the “Azerbaijan” residential neighbourhood in Kahramanmaraş. Covering 32 hectares, the neighbourhood includes over 1,300 modern apartments, a primary school, a kindergarten, and a cultural centre.

By Vugar Khalilov