Azerbaijani leader: Nagorno-Karabakh is a historical land of Azerbaijan - UPDATE - PHOTOS

The historic agreement signed today will ensure the future development of Turkish-Azerbaijani relations, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said, while delivering a speech after signing an agreement on the establishment of the Supreme Council for Strategic Cooperation in Istanbul on Sept. 15, TRT1 television reported.

"Our peoples have maintained fraternal and friendly relations for centuries. These relations are developing day by day and have ascended to a new level. We are building our relationship upon this strong basis. After Azerbaijan regained its independence, the Turkish-Azerbaijani relations only strengthened and developed, and today they have reached the level of allies. We remember that Turkey was the first country to recognize our independence and Turkey has always been with us since the first day of our independence. Today we successfully cooperate in various spheres," said Aliyev.

President Aliyev said the agreement on the establishment of the Supreme Council for Strategic Cooperation will strengthen and deepen cooperation between the two countries. "Our relations are built upon this strong basis and I am sure that future generations will carry forward this friendship and brotherhood. Today's event assumes special importance. The agreement signed today is indeed a result of previous work and determines the strategic cooperation between countries," said Aliyev.

The President said the agreement covers all spheres. "This agreement opens an opportunity to expand relations between our peoples. On this historic day, I firstly want to express gratitude to my friend, Prime Minister Erdogan. This document was created as a result of his initiatives and efforts. I also thank all those who participated in creating the document. This is not only an international document, but also the result of good intentions between our nations," said Aliyev.

Aliyev noted that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has always been the main topic of discussions between Ankara and Baku. "And today, an extensive exchange of views was conducted on this topic. Turkey has always supported the fair position of Azerbaijan, has made efforts in various forms for the restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. The talks must yield a result and the result is that the internationally recognized territorial integrity of Azerbaijan must be restored. Nagorno-Karabakh is a historical land of Azerbaijan. Our people have lived and created there. Today, Azerbaijanis have been expelled from Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding territories. No Azerbaijani has been left in these areas. All of them have incurred ethnic cleansing. All our historical and religious monuments have been destroyed. This is a great injustice and a step violating international legal norms. Of course, this issue will always be on the agenda in the relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey," said Aliyev.

Aliyev said strengthening of Turkey as a result of Erdogan's efforts means strengthening of Azerbaijan. "Today's Turkey is not what it was ten years ago. Turkey is a great and strong country, there is consent between the people and government. We are brothers, this brotherhood exists in our blood and passes from generation to generation. Therefore, strengthening of Turkey is a positive factor in resolving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Turkish government pursues an active policy in resolving the conflict. I am sure this will yield positive results and Azerbaijan's territorial integrity will be restored," said Aliyev.

Aliyev also emphasized that consultations are conducted to lift the visa requirements between Azerbaijan and Turkey. "I am confident that this will give positive results. I expressed my attitude on this issue. This issue in Azerbaijan must pass internal procedures, the relevant agencies and ministries of Azerbaijan must address this issue between themselves. Upon completion, these issues will be included in the bilateral agenda. I am sure this question will find a positive solution," said President Aliyev.

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09:53

President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Prime Minister of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed at the Ciragan Palace in Istanbul a Joint Declaration “On establishment of the Council for high level strategic cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Turkey” on September 15. Then, the heads of state made statement and answered questions of media representatives.

“Today, we are conquering the summit in the Turkey-Azerbaijan cooperation, which President of Azerbaijan, late Heydar Aliyev described as “one nation, two states”,” said Turkish Premier Erdogan.

He described the Council of Strategic Partnership a fundamental tool in strengthening and handing this friendship down to the next generations.

“For a short period, we have seen notable benefit this mechanism, which we created earlier with such countries as Syria, Jordan, Libya, Iraq, Russia and Greece, brought to the expansion of both bilateral and regional cooperation. No doubt this mechanism would contribute to Turkey-Azerbaijan cooperation as well,” he said.

He noted sub-committees established within the Council would allow the two countries to consider bilateral ties in all spheres. The Turkish Premier thanked President Ilham Aliyev for the cooperation in establishment of the Council.

Erdogan pointed out Turkey and Azerbaijan were friendly countries which had unprecedented ties in the world. He added the Council would contribute to strengthening the existing brotherhood.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said, “I am very glad to be in fraternal Turkey. I am confident the historic document signed today will ensure further development of Turkey-Azerbaijan ties”.

The Head of State pointed out relationship between both countries has developed and strengthened since Azerbaijan regained its independence.

“Turkey has been beside us since the first days of our independence, from the very beginning. Today we successfully cooperate and interact in a variety of fields. This cooperation is rapidly developing. The document signed today is of great importance for deepening and expanding this cooperation.”

The Head of State noted bilateral relations are well developed. He expressed assurance that next generations would strengthen this friendship and fraternity.

The Head of State noted the Strategic Partnership Council would allow coordinating activities of the two countries in all spheres and achieve more results in all areas. According to the President, the agreement incorporates all spheres including high-level political ties, mutual investment, cooperation in trade, energy, cultural and humanitarian spheres, transport and railway projects.

“This will allow us to achieve successful, dynamic and more organized progress of Azerbaijan-Turkey ties,” he said.

The President thanked Turkish Premier for his efforts and initiative to sign the document. President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan answered journalists' questions.

When asked about assistance of the Council in resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict President Ilham Aliyev said: Turkey supports Azerbaijan`s right cause and always made great efforts to ensure the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan in various forms. The Turkish government purses very active policy towards this conflict and I am sure that this policy will have positive results, and Azerbaijan's territorial integrity will be ensured.

Asked about what the union of Turkish-speaking states plans to do to establish ties with Turks living in other countries, Erdogan said this summit of Turkish-speaking states has been held for years and “we have gathered this year again, and we will try to lead this to the future.”

Answering the question concerning elimination of visa requirements between Azerbaijan and Turkey, President Ilham Aliyev said consultations on this issue were underway. The President expressed assurance that the consultations will yield good results.


/AzerTAc/

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President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and President Abdullah Gul of Turkey meet in Istanbul