Any threat or provocation directed against Turkey and Azerbaijan, regardless of where and by whom it comes from, will be considered a threat against both countries. This was stated by Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, who recently left for Baku to attend the Turkish-Azerbaijani joint military exercises.

Hulusi Akar noted that the two countries view both friends and enemies as common.

“Ensuring the security of our countries and our nation in this sensitive process is only possible if we have an effective, restraining and respected army,” Akar noted, adding that for this it is necessary to have professional personnel, weapons, and equipment.

According to Akar, Turkey and Azerbaijan are fraternal countries that are together in all kinds of threats and dangers.

“The whole world saw the best example of brotherly relations between countries when Azerbaijan liberated its lands from Armenian occupation after 30 years. Thanks to this victory, which was achieved as a result of 30 years of perseverance, faith, and determination, for the first time in many years, hopes for peace and stability in the region have increased,” Akar noted.

Speaking about the 44-day war, Akar noted that “various international organizations, including the EU, rushed to the region to protect Armenia after the victory of Azerbaijan”.

“However, no one should ever forget that Turkey is always by the side of brotherly Azerbaijan. Once again, we want to emphasize that, having the understanding of “two states, one nation” with Azerbaijan, we also know how to be one army, one force, and one fist. We consider the threat or provocation directed against Turkey and Azerbaijan as directed against both countries, regardless of where and from whom it comes. Our friend and enemy are one and the same. No one should doubt it,” said Akar.

Akar also noted that the presidents of Turkey and Azerbaijan, Erdogan and Aliyev, made great efforts to achieve peace in the region.

“We hope that Armenia will shake the hand extended by Turkey and Azerbaijan. Turkey supports sincere efforts to establish permanent peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia,” Akar said.

Akar also referred to establishing a connection between Azerbaijan and Nakhichevan through the so-called “Zangezur Corridor”, noting that this way peace will be established in the region.

“Our sincere desire is to restore railway and road connections in the region, especially the opening of the Zangezur Corridor, start an economic activity, and achieve the normalization of relations in the entire region, including Azerbaijan-Armenia and Turkey-Armenia relations. We expect that other actors in the region will also contribute to the formation of a prosperous future, where there will be cooperation and solidarity between countries. In the end, Turkey will continue to stand by Azerbaijan, as it has been until now,” said the Turkish minister.