Azernews.Az

By Sara Rajabova

Army General Hulusi Akar, the Chief of the General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces, has visited Baku at a time when important developments are unfolding in the region.

General Akar’s trip, in particular discussions with Azerbaijani officials, is regarded as an opportunity for further fostering all-out ties. Azerbaijan and Turkey enjoy a close strategic partnership and the two countries support each other on almost every issue of importance.

President Ilham Aliyev met with the delegation led by Akar on October 5, where the successful development and strengthening of military cooperation was hailed.

Highlighting the sound history of military cooperation, President Aliyev emphasized the importance of joint military exercises held in Azerbaijan and Turkey.

Based on numerous agreements on the exercises as part of bilateral progressive efforts toward military cooperation, the Azerbaijani and Turkish Armed Forces have held regular drills of various tactical and combat tasks so far.

The joint tactical exercises entitled "TurAz Qartali-2015" of the Azerbaijani and Turkish Armies were held in Azerbaijan in September. The exercises, which were conducted as part of an annual joint military plan, lasted until September 18.

The joint military exercises TURAZ Qartalı, TURAZ Shahini and drills of the Land Forces are a good example of the level of cooperation between the armies of both countries.

Military cooperation between these two neighboring nations dates back to 1992 when they signed an agreement on military education. Since then, the Azerbaijani and Turkish governments have been cooperating closely in both defense and security.

In December 2010, both countries signed a range of treaties to provide military assistance should either party be attacked by a third party.

Akar, for his part, said the joint exercises – held on the foundations of brotherhood – were of great importance.

He said that the two countries managed to achieve exemplary cooperation on a variety of fronts during joint exercises held both in Turkey and Azerbaijan.

The Turkish official stressed that there are no bilateral relations similar to those between Turkey and Azerbaijan in the world, emphasizing the significance of these ties.

Azerbaijani and Turkish militaries actively exchange skills, experience, and Azerbaijani servicemen have been receiving military education and trainings in Turkey over the years.

Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister, Colonel-General Zakir Hasanov received Akar on October 6.

Hasanov said the military cooperation between the two countries is underway on the bilateral basis and within the peacekeeping operations of NATO. He further added that the strategic partnership has been developing constantly and is based on friendship and brotherhood.

The minister also noted the importance of the joint military drills held both in Azerbaijan and Turkey and increasing the number of exercises.

He stressed that the achievements in the field of military education and exchange of experience plays a major role in strengthening the armed forces and contribute to its development.

More than 7,000 soldiers of the Azerbaijani army have received training in military educational institutions of Turkey and another 245 servicemen continue their studies there, according to the Turkish official.

Furthermore, Akar voiced Turkey’s position that the fraternal country does not accept double standards with respect to the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

He told Trend that like before, Turkey would support Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within the framework of the internationally accepted concepts of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and in accordance with international law.

Ankara has made clear that it wants Armenia to immediately and unconditionally leave the region in view of restoring Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and internationally recognized borders.

Akar also added that Turkey expects the international community to demonstrate the same reaction it did in the situation in Ukraine with regard to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which emerged in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan.

A lengthy war in the early 1990s resulted with the occupation of over 20 percent of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territory.

Turkey is one of the countries that are actively fighting extremism and terrorism.

For the purpose of eliminating the threat to its security and protect its borders from the terrorists, the country joined to the international coalition forces fighting IS terrorists.

Akar stressed that Turkey will as always continue its decisive fight against any type of terrorism.

As a leading country in the Middle East region, Turkey is determined to tackle the terrorism threat and ensure peace and stability in the region. The country has undertaken important steps in this regard over the years.

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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @SaraRajabova

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