Baku: In a heartfelt message to the President of the Republic of Trkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev commemorated the third anniversary of the devastating earthquake that hit Trkiye. He expressed profound respect and reverence for the lives lost during the tragedy, which became a significant humanitarian challenge for Trkiye, resulting in the loss of thousands of lives and leaving many cities and settlements in ruins.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, President Aliyev highlighted the strong bond between Azerbaijan and Trkiye, which was evident from the very first hours of the disaster. He noted how the Azerbaijani people, guided by unity and solidarity, stood in support of Trkiye by providing comprehensive assistance. President Aliyev acknowledged the effective governance under President Erdogan's leadership, which has led to significant progress in overcoming the earthquake's aftermath. The large-scale reconstruction initiatives and restoration of social welfare in the affected provinces are testaments to Trkiye's long-term development strategy.
Azerbaijan's active participation in the reconstruction efforts, particularly in Kahramanmaras province, underscores the enduring friendship and alliance between the two nations. The construction of the 'Azerbaijan' neighborhood is a vivid manifestation of Azerbaijan's commitment to supporting Trkiye's recovery and development. President Aliyev expressed confidence that the unity and strategic alliance between the two countries, founded on the philosophy of 'One nation, two states,' will continue to foster regional stability, security, and sustainable development.
President Aliyev concluded his message by extending his condolences to President Erdogan, the families of the victims, and the people of Trkiye, while praying for mercy for those who lost their lives in the tragedy.