On April 27, the First Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, met with a delegation led by General Metin Tokel, Commander of the Land Forces of the Republic of Türkiye, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan.
The Ministry of Defense informed the Operative Information Center-OMM that the visit began with a ceremonial tribute to the nation's history. The Turkish delegation visited the Alley of Honor to honor the memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the prominent ophthalmologist-scientist, Academician Zarifa Aliyeva. The guests also paid their respects at Martyrs' Alley and the Turkish Martyrs' Memorial, laying wreaths and flowers in memory of those who sacrificed their lives. The itinerary concluded with a visit to Victory Park, where a wreath was placed at the Victory Monument.
During the meeting held at the General Staff, Colonel General Valiyev emphasized that military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Türkiye is continuously developing and stressed the importance of further expanding these ties. The Chief of General Staff specifically highlighted the "TurAz Qartalı-2026" joint tactical-flight exercises currently being conducted in Azerbaijan with the participation of servicemen from both nations. He noted that such exercises are vital for the development of bilateral cooperation and significantly contribute to regional security.
Expressing his gratitude for the hospitality, General Metin Tokel underlined the necessity of continuing mutual visits to further broaden military cooperation, which is rooted in a strategic alliance. Both parties emphasized that joint and multinational exercises involving modern technological innovations are essential for increasing the professionalism and improving the practical skills of military personnel. The sides discussed various aspects of Azerbaijan-Türkiye military cooperation and exchanged views on joint activities and other matters of mutual interest.
The military partnership between Azerbaijan and Türkiye has reached a peak following the 2021 Shusha Declaration, which officially established an alliance between the two brotherly nations. This cooperation involves the alignment of the Azerbaijan Army with the standards of the Turkish Armed Forces, extensive training programs, and deep integration in the defense industry, serving as a primary factor for stability in the South Caucasus.
