Speech by Ilham Aliyev at the opening ceremony of “Azerbaijan” Quarter in Turkish city of Kahramanmaraş

- My dear brother, esteemed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan,

Distinguished participants of the event, dear people of Kahramanmaraş,

First of all, I convey to you the sincerest greetings of the Azerbaijani people. May Allah rest the souls of all our brothers and sisters who lost their lives in the aftermath of the terrible earthquake on February 6, 2023, in peace.

The Azerbaijani people regarded this tragedy as their own. From the very first day, tens of thousands of Azerbaijanis began fulfilling their brotherly duty, gathering at aid collection points in Baku and other cities across the country to provide humanitarian aid. Immediately after the earthquake, search and rescue operations were launched under the leadership of my dear brother, the esteemed President, followed by large-scale reconstruction and building efforts. Within a short period, tens of thousands of people were provided with new homes. This once again demonstrates Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s profound commitment, compassion, and unwavering determination toward his people. At the same time, it stands as clear evidence of a strong Türkiye - because only a strong nation can undertake such extensive reconstruction work in such a short time.

Azerbaijan immediately sent more than a thousand personnel - including search and rescue teams, doctors, and volunteers - to the earthquake-affected regions of Türkiye, where they began working without delay. Azerbaijani teams rescued 53 people from the rubble, and Azerbaijani doctors provided medical assistance to 3,200 people at two field hospitals established by our country.

Azerbaijan has always stood by Türkiye, just as Türkiye has always stood by Azerbaijan. Today, my participation alongside my dear brother in the opening of the “Azerbaijan” Quarter is yet another testament to our unity and enduring friendship.

As you have just mentioned, we stood shoulder to shoulder with my dear brother, the esteemed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, on the issue of Karabakh from the very first day of the war. The support, solidarity, and political and moral backing extended to us by the President of Türkiye from the earliest hours of the conflict - and the unity of the Turkish people with us - gave Azerbaijan additional strength. We have restored historical justice, and today the Azerbaijani people live in comfort and security on their ancestral lands.

The establishment of the “Azerbaijan” Quarter is also a remarkable event. More than 90 buildings have been constructed, and 1,200 apartments will soon house our Turkish brothers and sisters. The neighborhood includes a school and a kindergarten, and the construction of a cultural center is also planned.

We stand by each other in both good times and difficult ones. We multiply each other’s strength. Today, the Türkiye-Azerbaijan brotherhood and unity are not only a vital factor for our region – we also stand as a symbol of security, cooperation, development, and solidarity on a global scale.

The Shusha Declaration, which we signed together with the esteemed President in Shusha four years ago has raised our relations to the highest level. The Shusha Declaration has officially elevated our relations to the level of an alliance. We are friends, brothers and allies. Türkiye and Azerbaijan, two brotherly countries, are confidently and successfully moving forward hand in hand in political, economic, energy, transport, military and all other fields.

Today, I am visiting this beautiful land for the first time. I have traveled to many other parts of Türkiye and witnessed the natural beauty of this remarkable country. I am very pleased to be here, in the ancient Turkish land of Kahramanmaraş.

The people of Kahramanmaraş demonstrated great resolve in the face of a devastating earthquake. They did not break or bend. They stood firm, knowing and believing that behind them stood a strong leader - Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Behind them stands a strong Türkiye.

This, of course, once again reflects how deeply the people of Kahramanmaraş are connected to their homeland, their leader, and their state.

extend the heartfelt respect and love of the Azerbaijani people to everyone living in the earthquake-affected regions. You know - and should always know - that you have 10 million brothers and sisters in Azerbaijan. And we, in Azerbaijan, know that we have more than 80 million brothers and sisters in Türkiye.

Long live Türkiye! Long live the unity and brotherhood between Türkiye and Azerbaijan!