ISTANBUL: Senior officials from Azerbaijan's Ministry of Defense were present at the opening ceremony of the SAHA EXPO 2024 International Defence and Aerospace Exhibition in Istanbul, highlighting the deepening defense ties between Azerbaijan and Turkey. The event, attended by Azerbaijani Deputy Ministers of Defense including Director General Agil Gurbanov, Commander of the Land Forces Lieutenant General Hikmat Mirzayev, and Commander of the Air Force Lieutenant General Namig Islamzade, underscores the strategic military alliance between the two nations. According to Trend News Agency, the Azerbaijani defense officials, along with Turkey's Minister of National Defense Yasar Gler and other international government representatives, participated in the exhibition's opening events. The Azerbaijani delegation engaged with various exhibits, particularly those presented by the 'Azersilah' Defence Industry Holding' and the Ministry of Defense Industry, showcasing modern weaponry and military technology. During thei r visit, the Azerbaijani delegation held high-level meetings with Turkish defense leaders, including Minister Yasar Gler and Haluk Görgn, President of the Secretariat of Defense Industries under the Presidency of Turkey. Discussions focused on enhancing military relations, exploring future cooperation opportunities in military, technical, and educational spheres, and reinforcing the strategic alliance built on shared values and brotherhood between Azerbaijan and Turkey.