Erdoğan Joins Aliyev for Azerbaijan’s Victory Day in Karabakh
Turkish and Azerbaijani leaders reaffirm their strategic alliance during Karabakh war commemorations.
1Victory Day Commemorations
Azerbaijan celebrated its sixth Victory Day on Sunday, marking the end of the 2020 Karabakh war. President Ilham Aliyev led the official proceedings by laying a wreath at the Victory Monument in Khankendi. The event honored soldiers who died during the conflict, which concluded with the liberation of the strategically vital city of Shusha.
2Diplomatic Alliance Reaffirmed
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended the ceremonies at the invitation of President Aliyev. This visit aimed to signal the strength of the Turkey-Azerbaijan partnership despite recent diplomatic disagreements and internal criticisms. Both leaders emphasized that their unbreakable bond is rooted in shared history, culture, and a common destiny for the future.
3Strategic Partnership Significance
Aliyev described the relationship as exceptionally close, noting that no other nations are as attached as Turkey and Azerbaijan. The alliance was formally solidified by the 2021 Shusha Declaration, which expanded defense and security cooperation. Erdoğan stated that those seeking to weaken this brotherhood would never achieve their goals in the region.
4Regional Economic Integration
The partnership extends beyond politics into energy and transport sectors, linking the South Caucasus to European markets. The Southern Gas Corridor remains a critical infrastructure project for European energy diversification. Aliyev highlighted that this unity serves as a stabilizing factor across a vast geographical area, fostering cooperation and long-term regional security.
5Post-War Reconstruction Efforts
Azerbaijan has invested over €10 billion in state infrastructure across regained territories since 2020. The government’s Great Return Programme has facilitated the resettlement of 40,000 residents in new communities like Fuzuli and Lachin. Currently, 97,000 people live and work in these areas, supported by newly constructed international airports and thousands of kilometers of highways.
6Cultural Heritage Restoration
State-led initiatives, primarily through the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, have focused on rehabilitating historical sites across the recovered regions. In Shusha alone, specialists have restored 27 monuments, including seven mosques and six historical water springs. Simultaneously, environmental agencies are conducting large-scale greening drives, planting thousands of trees to regenerate local forest ecosystems.
7Peace Process Developments
Azerbaijan and Armenia have shifted from international mediation to direct bilateral negotiations to finalize a comprehensive peace treaty. Recent progress includes the formal demarcation of a 12.7-kilometre border section. The draft treaty focuses on mutual recognition of state sovereignty and territorial integrity, aiming to open regional transport connections for future stability.
8Future Regional Outlook
As the South Caucasus enters a new phase, the focus remains on economic reconstruction and regional diplomacy. Turkey continues to contribute its expertise to rebuilding efforts in Karabakh. The ongoing integration of transport routes, including the Middle Corridor, positions the region as a vital link between Eurasian markets and global trade networks.
Original article: Euronews – Latest — Erdoğan Joins Aliyev for Azerbaijan’s Victory Day in Karabakh