Hulusi Akar: Turkiye, Azerbaijan act as one army

Turkiye and Azerbaijan continue to cooperate in the defense industry, Turkish National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said in an interview with Haber Global, answering a question about Turkish-Azerbaijani cooperation after the 44-day war, Report informs.

"Azerbaijan is our brother. Let no one doubt it. We are really two states, one nation. Especially after 44 days of a successful operation (Second Karabakh War), we can be said to have become one with our Azerbaijani brothers. For many years (the period of occupation) we have felt all the suffering of our Azerbaijani brothers. For 30 years, the OSCE Minsk Group and others did nothing to liberate Azerbaijani lands from occupation. Despite the million refugees, the genocide in Khojaly and other places, and the occupation of 20 percent of the land, no one lifted a finger. But, firstly, Azerbaijan is not alone. Secondly, the cup of patience overflowed, and Azerbaijan began to act. Azerbaijan's armed forces under Ilham Aliyev's leadership achieved a victory within 44 days," Hulusi Akar said.

The minister noted that after the 44-day Patriotic (Second Karabakh) War, the ties between Azerbaijan and Turkiye are deepening and expanding further:

"The armies conduct joint exercises, and cooperation in the defense industry continues. We act as a single army. We are doing our best to clear the territories from mines."

The minister added that the joint activities of Azerbaijan and Turkiye are not directed against a third party:

"This is being done for the security of the South Caucasus and for the benefit of everyone in the region."