Türkiye and Azerbaijan reaffirm ‘eternal’ alliance during Erdoğan visit to Shusha
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev reaffirmed their countries' close alliance on Sunday, pledging to maintain their unity during Erdoğan's visit to Shusha in Azerbaijan's Karabakh region.
The visit coincided with Azerbaijan's Victory Day, marking the anniversary of the Azerbaijani army's recapture of Shusha on Nov. 8, 2020, during the Second Karabakh War.
Speaking at a joint news conference, both leaders stressed that their countries' historic, cultural and strategic ties remained unshakable.
Erdoğan said attempts to undermine the brotherhood between the two nations would fail, reiterating the longstanding motto of their relationship: "One nation, two states."
"Our brotherhood is beyond a shared language, history and culture," he said, adding: "Allah willing, we will be together forever."
Shusha declaration remains foundation of alliance
Erdoğan recalled the Shusha Declaration, signed by the two presidents on June 15, 2021, which formally elevated bilateral relations to an alliance.
He said the agreement had strengthened cooperation and reflected the shared determination of both countries to deepen their strategic partnership.
Aliyev also praised Türkiye's support during the 2020 war, recalling Erdoğan's statements and telephone call during the early hours of the conflict.
He said Türkiye's immediate backing had boosted Azerbaijan's morale and demonstrated the strength of their partnership.
"We won't forget your support, support of the Turkish nation at the Second Karabakh War," Aliyev told Erdoğan.
The Azerbaijani president described the two countries' relationship as unique, saying their common history, ethnic roots, language, literature and values formed the foundation of their brotherhood.
"Nobody can disrupt our brotherhood," he said, reaffirming that the alliance would remain strong.
Ankara pledges continued support for Karabakh reconstruction
Erdoğan said the next priority was to transform Azerbaijan's military victory into lasting peace and stability across the South Caucasus.
He praised Azerbaijan's reconstruction efforts in Karabakh and pledged continued Turkish support for rebuilding infrastructure and resettling communities.
The Turkish president highlighted ongoing cooperation projects, including a forestry training center recently inaugurated in Jabrayil and plans to construct a new school in Aghdam.
He also praised infrastructure developments in the region, pointing to newly built tunnels and other projects aimed at supporting Karabakh's recovery.
Erdoğan said every rebuilt home and completed project represented Azerbaijan's confidence in its future.
Leaders highlight wider Turkic cooperation
The two presidents also discussed cooperation across the broader Turkic world.
Erdoğan said Türkiye wanted to strengthen the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), following a recent summit hosted by Ankara, during which Türkiye assumed the organization's rotating presidency from Azerbaijan.
He described the development of the organization as evidence of the shared commitment to closer cooperation among Turkic nations.
Aliyev, meanwhile, said Türkiye's economic strength, industrial capacity and international influence also strengthened Azerbaijan's position.
He stressed that closer cooperation between the two countries was an important factor for stability, security and regional development.
Concluding his remarks, Aliyev said the relationship had remained strong through history, war and the challenges of the present.
"We were together in the past, we stood together during the war, we stand together today, and we will remain together in the future," he said.
He described Türkiye-Azerbaijan unity as eternal and unshakable.
Source:DailySabah
