Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, TADİV President Prof. attended the 108th Anniversary Commemoration Program of the Caucasus Islamic Army and the Liberation of Baku, organized by the Turkey-Azerbaijan Friendship and Cooperation Foundation (TADİV). Dr. Aygün Attar, Chairman of the Turkish Grand National Assembly Türkiye-Azerbaijan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group Şamil Ayrım attended. The Caucasus Islamic Army Monument was opened in the program. Speaking here, Minister Güler said, "This monument, which we inaugurated today, once again reminds us of the great brotherhood, sacrifice and solidarity that was demonstrated 108 years ago. For the independence of Azerbaijan and the liberation of Baku in 1918, the children of Anatolia did not remain indifferent to the call for help of their dear brothers, knowing their homeland, their homeland, for the unity and integrity of Azerbaijan under the glorious banner of the Caucasus Islamic Army." "Our heroes who fell to the ground for this cause have left a sacred legacy that will live on for generations to come. I wholeheartedly believe that this monument we opened today will keep their cherished memories alive and contribute to the transfer of our common history to future generations and will be one of the eternal signs of the unity of Turkey and Azerbaijan."
'THE SPIRIT OF THE EPIC OF 1918 CONTINUES TO LIVE'
Speaking at the program held at TADİV Shusha Congress Hall, Minister Güler said, "The date of September 15, 1918, the anniversary of which we celebrate here today, has much greater meanings than the execution of an operation and the liberation of a valuable city like Baku from enemy occupation. The spirit of this epic written in 1918 continues to live with the same excitement today. While the brotherhood between Turkey and Azerbaijan gives meaning to our present with the legacy of our deep-rooted and common past, it also defines our future togetherness." This bond is an eternal brotherhood established with heart and soul, stemming from the struggles of the Caucasus Islamic Army, which dates back to the past, and the struggle for the single homeland. Just as the children of Anatolia fought side by side with their Azerbaijani brothers for the liberation of Baku, a century later, when Azerbaijan took action to save its own land, Karabakh, from occupation, it is also the heart of the Turkish nation. "He threw it together with his brothers," he said.
'Türkiye-AZERBAIJAN RELATIONS ARE VERY DEEP'
Minister Güler emphasized that the scale and impact of risks and threats at global and regional levels are increasing day by day and said, "In an environment where the international system is becoming fragile, crises and conflicts are increasing, security, energy and economic competition is becoming increasingly harsh, it is not a choice but an obligation for our strategically located countries to be strong in all areas and increase their deterrence. In this critical environment, our heroic Turkish Armed Forces resolutely protect the rights and interests of our country, while at the same time making exceptional contributions to security, peace and stability in many geographies. In such a sensitive security environment." "The close cooperation between Turkey and Azerbaijan is more important than ever. It is a fact that Turkey-Azerbaijan relations are very deep-rooted, very strong, multidimensional and deep. We do not have diplomatic relations between two states in the classical sense; beyond that, we are 'two states, one nation' that are part of the same geography, the same culture, the same values and a common destiny," he said.
'THE POWER OF Türkiye IS THE POWER OF AZERBAIJAN'
Güler pointed out that Turkey-Azerbaijan relations are experiencing one of the strongest periods in history under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and said, "Our strategic partnership is developing in almost every field. This distinguished level we have reached, especially in the field of defense and security, is one of the most concrete indicators of our unshakable trust in each other and our comprehensive solidarity. Our Armed Forces, from mutual personnel training to joint and multinational exercises, from sharing military experience to mine clearance activities, from defense industry projects to technology and They carry out joint activities in a wide range of fields, from capability development. Continuous development of interoperability, coordination and mutual trust between the Turkish and Azerbaijani armies is of strategic importance for the security of the Caucasus as well as the defense capacity of the two countries. The spirit of brotherhood and solidarity demonstrated by our soldiers who fought shoulder to shoulder for the liberation of Baku in 1918 is the same spirit of brotherhood as two brothers. "It is kept alive by the army marching towards the future in unity of destiny. That's why we say that Turkey's power is Azerbaijan's power, and Azerbaijan's power is Turkey's power."
'WE HOPE TO ESTABLISH PERMANENT PEACE'
Minister Güler also stated that they welcomed the will recorded between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington last year and the positive steps taken recently towards the establishment of peace, and said, "We hope that a comprehensive and lasting peace will be established as soon as possible. As Turkey, we support the efforts to conclude the process with an understanding that strengthens sustainable regional stability and contributes to the peace and prosperity of all the people of the region. Because the Caucasus no longer needs conflicts but trust, cooperation, development and prosperity." "We believe that the strong solidarity between Türkiye and Azerbaijan is one of the most important assurances of this new era," he said.
