Azerbaijan’s Defence Minister hosts Turkish military delegation to strengthen strategic ties Photo / Video

On May 21, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, received a delegation led by Army General Metin Tokel, Commander of the 1st Army of the Land Forces of Türkiye, currently visiting Azerbaijan.

During their visit, the Turkish delegation paid respects at the Alley of Honour, laying flowers at the graves of Azerbaijan’s National Leader, Heydar Aliyev and renowned ophthalmologist Academician Zarifa Aliyeva, Caliber.Az reports per Defence Ministry.

The guests also visited the Alley of Martyrs and the Turkish Martyrs’ Cemetery, honouring the memory of those who sacrificed their lives.

The delegation further toured Victory Park, where a wreath was laid at the Victory Monument, commemorating Azerbaijan’s military achievements.

At the Ministry of Defence, Colonel General Hasanov warmly welcomed the visitors and expressed his satisfaction at their presence in Azerbaijan. He underlined the robust and growing relationship between Azerbaijan and Türkiye, grounded in shared history, common values and mutual trust. Hasanov praised the successful implementation of the Shusha Declaration, signed by the heads of state of both fraternal nations, as a key factor deepening bilateral cooperation.

He also acknowledged Türkiye’s steadfast moral and political support during the 44-day Patriotic War, which culminated in a victorious outcome for the Azerbaijani Armed Forces under President Ilham Aliyev’s command, as well as Türkiye’s ongoing support across various sectors.

Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, Army General Tokel conveyed greetings from Türkiye’s Minister of National Defence, Yaşar Güler. He emphasised the significance of such visits in further enhancing military cooperation between the two countries, which reflects a strategic alliance. Tokel also noted the continued development of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces as a source of pride for Türkiye, describing the two nations as brothers.

Subsequently, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, First Deputy Minister of Defence and Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, held discussions with the Turkish delegation. The talks highlighted the importance of joint military exercises incorporating advanced technological innovations to meet contemporary defence requirements.

The parties also stressed the value of exchanging expertise in professional military training.

The meetings addressed multiple facets of Azerbaijani-Turkish military collaboration, including regional security matters and other issues of shared interest, further solidifying the close ties between the two nations.

By Aghakazim Guliyev