An official reception was given at the Heydar Aliyev Centre in Baku on 29 October in honour of the 100^th anniversary of the foundation of the Republic of Türkiye.

Chair of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova, Ambassador of Türkiye to Baku Cahit Bağçı, Deputy Chairs of the Milli Majlis and MPs, state and government officials, overseas ambassadors accredited in Azerbaijan and public figures were amongst the participants of the event which had been organised by the Embassy of Türkiye in Azerbaijan and began with the national anthems of the two countries.

Speaker of the Milli Majlis delivered a speech at the reception.

Mrs Gafarova began by passing on to the assembled the cordial congratulations and best wishes of President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan on the centenary of the Republic of Türkiye.

It was said then that the victory in the Liberation War under the guidance of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the inception of the Republic of Türkiye 100 years ago had secured their rightful places amongst the biggest historical highlights of the 20^th century. According to Sahiba Gafarova, Türkiye was able to cover a path of astonishing progress in the past century as a society and state based on the fundamental principles of secularity, democracy and nationality. The progress has gone on in all the areas at all.

In particular, then, according to the Milli Majlis Speaker, the fraternal country made remarkable achievements under the guidance of the outstanding politician and statesman President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the twenty years past. Türkiye may pride herself on the wealth of her economic, political, military, intellectual and spiritual potential and take pride also in being one of the most influential and powerful countries of the world.

Türkiye is also actively engaged in the work of such entities as the United Nations Organisation, the NATO, G20, the Organisation for Islamic Co-operation and the Organisation of Turkic States, which made it a global player advocating peace and stability. Touching on the Turkish leadership then, Sahiba Gafarova underlined the impartial and unbiased stance of the brotherly country on international problems as a stabilising factor in the hazardous period the world is living through now.

Linking Europe and Asia, Türkiye also takes an active part in resolution of conflicts in various regions of the world, in peace-making missions and diplomatic initiatives. The Turkish diplomacy which rests on justice and fairness has a voice in promoting dialogue and peace initiatives. Building strategic partnerships with various countries, strengthening economic ties and establishing effective diplomatic relations further enhances Türkiye’s international standing. The nation’s rich historical heritage, vibrant culture and soft power enable it to both extend its influence over vast regions of the world through cultural diplomacy and promote cultural exchange.

The Speaker of the Milli Majlis remarked that the Turkish Army, Air Force and Navy are amongst the world’s strongest now. Besides, Türkiye possesses a highly advanced defence industry and produces cutting-edge weapons and military equipment.

Türkiye demonstrates commitment to global solidarity and humanitarian values by aiding refugees and victims of natural disasters from various countries around the world.

The successes that the brotherly country has achieved along her path of progress gladden us sincerely, because the prowess of Türkiye is that of Azerbaijan just as the strength of Azerbaijan is that of Türkiye. Our nations’ and states’ brotherhood and friendship are our greatest asset.

We always speak with unvaried pleasure that our relationship is based on the ‘one nation – two states’ principle formulated by Grand Leader Heydar Aliyev. To quote, then, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, ‘Türkiye and Azerbaijan are forever side by side like two fraternal states.’

The union of our peoples stood the tests of the Dardanelles Operation at the beginning of the 20^th century, the battles with the Armenian-Bolshevik troops in Azerbaijan in general and in Baku in particular, the 44 days’ Patriotic War waged against the occupying Armenia three years ago and, last but not least, Azerbaijan’s anti-terrorist measures in September this year.

Azerbaijan will be celebrating the V-Day in some ten days, Mrs Gafarova remarked before saying that the world had once again witnessed the Turkish-Azerbaijani brotherhood and friendship at the time of the battles of that war, led by the victorious Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev. Garabagh War II was fought in the autumn of 2020 to put an end to the occupation of our lands and to restore the wholeness of territory of our country as well as the theretofore flouted historical justice.

According to Mrs Gafarova, the moral and political support that the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan gave during the war, the statement of the ‘red line’ to fend off the threat of external interference in the conflict and the unyielding position of Türkiye as a whole showed everybody that Azerbaijan was not alone in her righteous struggle but that Türkiye, her leader and her people were right by Azerbaijan’s side as ever before – and afterwards.

Sahiba Gafarova remarked gladly that the Shusha Declaration inked by the presidents of the two countries in June 2021 elevated our friendship and friendship to the summit of partnership.

The projects that Azerbaijan and Türkiye are carrying out together, in a planned manner and with due resolve are changing the geopolitical panorama of not only the South Caucasus but a greater region.

The energy and transport projects implemented with the active involvement of our countries factor importantly in the maintenance of the energy security of Europe as well as in broadening economic connexions amongst countries. The Turkish-Azerbaijani unity and solidarity provide for closer unity within the Turkic World as well, Sahiba Gafarova continued.

Türkiye acts together with us in the re-construction of Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur, devastated by Armenian vandals during the 30-year period of occupation, and in all other issues. We are confident that the unity and equality of Azerbaijan and Türkiye will bring more and more successes to our peoples in the years to come.

Sahiba Gafarova wished the brotherly Turkish people prosperity and happiness on this day of the 100^th jubilee of the Republic of Türkiye.

Capping her speech, Madam Speaker remarked that the implementation of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan ‘s ‘Türkiye 100’ vision was bound to earn this state yet greater achievements in this new century.

The Press and Public Relations Department

The Milli Majlis