President Aliyev honours quake victims, highlights Azerbaijan–Türkiye solidarity In letter to Erdogan

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has marked the third anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Türkiye with a message of solidarity and remembrance directed to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

In the letter, President Aliyev described the earthquake as a “serious humanitarian test for Türkiye,” noting that thousands lost their lives in a single night and many cities and settlements were reduced to ruins. He emphasised that the Azerbaijani people shared in the grief of their brotherly neighbour, following the events with deep sorrow, Caliber.Az reports per state media. 

“During those painful days, the Azerbaijani people followed the events with deep sorrow, accepting the grief of brotherly Türkiye as their own and sharing fully in its anguish. The unshakable brotherhood that underpins Azerbaijan–Türkiye relations revealed its true essence precisely at such a difficult moment. From the very first hours of the tragedy, the state and people of Azerbaijan, guided by the principles of unity and solidarity, stood shoulder to shoulder with Türkiye, extending comprehensive support and assistance,” the letter reads.

He praised Türkiye’s recovery efforts under President Erdogan, saying that the country has made significant progress through “large-scale reconstruction initiatives, the creation of modern residential infrastructure, and the restoration of social welfare in the affected provinces.”

The Azerbaijani leader also noted Azerbaijan’s active role in the reconstruction process, particularly in Kahramanmaraş province.

“As an expression of our fraternal duty, Azerbaijan has contributed to the reconstruction and restoration efforts in Kahramanmaraş province, actively participating in the construction of the ‘Azerbaijan’ neighborhood. Azerbaijan’s support for the reconstruction and development efforts of the brotherly country is a vivid manifestation of our friendly and allied relations,” he wrote. 

Looking ahead, the Azerbaijani president expressed confidence in the continuing strength of the bilateral relationship, which he said is founded on the philosophy of “One nation, two states.”

“I am confident that the strong unity and strategic alliance between Azerbaijan and Türkiye, founded on the philosophy of ‘One nation, two states,’ will continue to contribute to the prosperity of our peoples, while serving as a cornerstone of regional stability, security, and sustainable development. On this day of remembrance, I once again extend my deepest condolences to you, the families of the victims, and the entire brotherly people of Türkiye, and I pray to Almighty Allah to grant mercy to our brothers and sisters who lost their lives,” he finalised.