Turkish minister hails Azerbaijan's support to Afrin op

By Ruslan Rehimov

BAKU (AA) - Turkish Minister of Labor and Social Security Julide Sarieroglu on Thursday thanked Azerbaijan for extending support to Operation Olive Branch in Syria’s northwestern region of Afrin.

The Turkish minister also expressed gratitude to Samed Seyidov, head of Azerbaijani delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), for speaking in favor of the operation at the PACE.

On Jan. 20, Turkey launched Operation Olive Branch to clear PYD/PKK and Daesh terrorists from Afrin, northwestern Syria.

According to the Turkish General Staff, the operation aims to establish security and stability along Turkish borders and the region as well as protect Syrians from the oppression and cruelty of terrorists.

Sarieroglu, who arrived in Azerbaijani capital on Wednesday, was received by President Ilham Aliyev at the Zagulba Palace on Thursday.

The Azerbaijani president said Baku and Ankara have strong relations in all areas and that Sarieroglu’s visit will contribute to further develop relations in the field of labor and social security.

During her official visit, the Turkish minister visited the tomb of late Azerbaijani President Haydar Aliyev, the Turkish Martyrs’ Memorial in Baku and the Eternal Flame Memorial.

Sarieroglu is also expected to meet Azerbaijan’s Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, Deputy Prime Minister Ali Ahmadov and Azerbaijani Parliament Speaker Ogtay Asadov.

She will attend Turkey-Azerbaijan Labour and Social Security Joint Permanent Commission’s 9th meeting on Friday.