'Azerbaijan-Turkey friendship example for whole world'

By Jeyhun Aliyev

ANKARA (AA) - The "brotherhood and friendship" between Azerbaijan and Turkey is an example for the entire world, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said on Tuesday.

In a letter to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Aliyev marked the 102nd anniversary of the capital Baku's liberation from Armenian and Bolshevik occupation and hailed the role of the Caucasian Islamic Army under the leadership of Nuri Pasha (Killigil), who, along with the Azerbaijani National Army and volunteer forces, liberated the city, according to a written statement from the Azerbaijani presidency.

"Despite the difficulties of that period, brotherly Turkey did not spare its help from Azerbaijan," Aliyev said, adding the nation would always remember the martyrs who died in these battles.

Noting that Sept.15 is "a very significant day" for the people of Azerbaijan, Aliyev said that the "historic victory," was met with great enthusiasm by the people of Baku in 1918.

"Two years ago, that enthusiasm and love was revived in the streets of Baku," he said, referring to a joint military parade held with the participation of Azerbaijani and Turkish troops marking the 100th anniversary of the city's liberation.

Aliyev also thanked Erdogan for Ankara's support for Baku amid escalated tensions on the Armenian-Azerbaijani frontier in July, adding that Azerbaijan had also always stood by brotherly Turkey and demonstrated its unwavering support in all matters.

The Armenian army violated a cease-fire on July 12 and attacked Azerbaijani border positions in the northwestern Tovuz district with artillery fire, and later withdrew after suffering heavy losses following retaliation from the Azerbaijani army.

At least 12 Azerbaijani soldiers, including high-ranking officers, were martyred and four troops were wounded in cross-border attacks by the Armenian forces.

"The Azerbaijan-Turkey strategic alliance and partnership is an important factor in ensuring peace and security in the region and contributing to the development of cooperation," he said.

Later in the day, the two leaders also held a phone conversation.