Azerbaijan and Türkiye Discuss Prospects for Enhanced Military Cooperation
Baku, The Gulf Observer: Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the Azerbaijan Defense Minister, held a meeting with a Turkish delegation led by Army General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, the Commander of the Turkish Land Forces, who is currently on an official visit to Azerbaijan. This visit highlights the continued and growing military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, according to the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Prior to the meeting, the Turkish delegation visited several significant sites in Baku, paying homage to the graves of the National Leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, and renowned ophthalmologist and academician, Zarifa Aliyeva, at the Alley of Honor. They also visited the Alley of Shehids (Martyrs) and the Turkish Martyrs’ Cemetery, laying wreaths and flowers to honor the memory of these revered figures.
During the meeting, Colonel General Hasanov expressed his pleasure at welcoming the Turkish delegation, highlighting the strong and friendly ties between Azerbaijan and Turkey. He elaborated on the successful reforms undertaken within the Azerbaijan Army under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
Army General Bayraktaroğlu thanked Colonel General Hasanov for the warm reception and underscored the importance of such meetings in enhancing military cooperation between the two countries. Discussions during the meeting focused on future prospects for collaboration in the military and military-technical fields, as well as regional security issues.
The Turkish delegation also met with Colonel General Karim Valiyev, First Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, and Colonel General Bakhtiyar Ersay, Advisor to the Minister of Defense. These discussions reaffirmed the strong state of Azerbaijani-Turkish military cooperation, which is built on mutual trust and support.
As part of their official visit, the Turkish delegation toured the headquarters of the Azerbaijan Land Forces, where they were received with a formal welcoming ceremony, including a guard of honor and the playing of the national anthems of both countries. They also signed the Book of Honor, in keeping with protocol.
Lieutenant General Hikmat Mirzayev, Deputy Minister of Defense and Commander of the Land Forces, met with the Turkish delegation. The discussions highlighted the importance of joint military exercises aimed at enhancing the professionalism of servicemen from both nations and the exchange of mutual experiences. The meeting concluded with a comprehensive exchange of views on various issues of mutual interest.
This visit marks a significant step in reinforcing the strategic partnership and military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, underscoring their shared commitment to regional stability and security.
