Baku: The Chief of General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces, Army General Sel§uk Bayraktaroglu, has arrived in Azerbaijan for a working visit at the invitation of Colonel General Karim Valiyev, the First Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the visit began with a ceremonial reception by Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, the Minister of Defense of Azerbaijan, marking the significance of the visit to the strengthening of military relations between the two nations.

The Turkish delegation commenced their visit by paying respects at the Alley of Honor and the Alley of Martyrs, honoring the National Leader of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyev, and academician Zarifa Aliyeva. They also visited the Turkish Martyrs’ Cemetery to commemorate the soldiers of the Caucasus Islamic Army who played a role in the liberation of Baku.

An official ceremony was held at the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, where the national anthems of both countries were played, and Army General Bayraktaroglu signed the ‘Book of Honor’. During discussions at the Ministry of Defense, Colonel General Hasanov highlighted the deep-rooted Azerbaijani-Turkish relations, emphasizing the shared values and historical ties between the two countries. He also congratulated Bayraktaroglu on his recent appointment as Chief of the General Staff.

General Bayraktaroglu expressed gratitude for the warm reception and noted that such visits enhance the development of relations based on mutual trust and friendship. A meeting between the Chiefs of the General Staff of both countries was held, where discussions on military cooperation, regional security, and other mutual interests took place. The visit underscores the opportunities to further develop military cooperation and strengthen the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Turkey.