‘Azerbaijan sees Turkey’s friends, enemies as its own’

BAKU

Azerbaijan considers Turkey’s friends and enemies as its own, the vice speaker of Azerbaijani parliament said Wednesday, reiterating Baku’s support for Ankara in the Eastern Mediterranean.

“We clearly announce to the world that we accept Turkey’s friends as ours and its enemies as ours,” Adil Aliyev told Anadolu Agency, adding that Azerbaijani-Turkish relations have reached unprecedented heights.

Highlighting that the leaders of both countries see each other as brothers rather than close friends, Aliyev said this brotherhood and friendship trouble some other countries.

Referring to “one nation, two states” remarks of late Azerbaijani President Heydar Aliyev, the vice speaker said: “It was like this yesterday, is like this today and will be like this tomorrow. We have a common position and we don’t hesitate to say it.”

About recent military drills between Turkey and Azerbaijan, Aliyev said Ankara always stands by Baku and the joint exercises between the two countries have strengthened Azerbaijan’s army.

He said the strongest military organization today is NATO and Turkey is the leading country in the alliance.

“We’re closely following developments in the Eastern Mediterranean. We regret that Greece showcases a prejudiced approach just like Armenia,” Aliyev said.

“We don’t only observe what is happening, we also tell the world that we always stand with Turkey,” he said.

Citing President Ilham Aliyev’s remarks to the newly appointed Greek envoy, the vice speaker said it was “a clear message to the whole world.”

“It’s time for the world to see the power of Turks once again,” he concluded.

Last week, President Ilham Aliyev accepted the credentials of Greece’s new ambassador to Azerbaijan, Nikolaos Piperigos.

During the meeting, Aliyev vowed to stand by Turkey, saying: "I can tell you, and it is no secret, that Turkey is not only our friend and partner, but also a brotherly country for us. Without any hesitation whatsoever, we support Turkey and will support it under any circumstances.”

Eastern Mediterranean

Greece has disputed Turkey's current energy exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean, trying to box in Turkish maritime territory based on small islands near the Turkish coast.

Turkey – the country with the longest coastline on the Mediterranean – has sent out drill ships to explore for energy on its continental shelf, saying that both Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have rights in the region.

Dialogue for sharing these resources fairly would be a win-win for all sides, say Turkish officials.

*Contributions and writing by Sena Guler