Erdoğan stresses Karabakh reconstruction and lasting peace

At a joint press conference with Ilham Aliyev during his visit to Azerbaijan, Erdoğan pledged continued support for rebuilding Karabakh and called for lasting peace.

General News

Mirat Haber

09/11/2026 00:54

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President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said support for Karabakh’s reconstruction and development would continue, speaking at a joint press conference with President Ilham Aliyev during a visit to Azerbaijan. Emphasizing the alliance between the two countries, Erdoğan highlighted the importance of lasting peace after the war. Aliyev recalled Türkiye’s political and moral support during the conflict.

Key points from the leaders’ remarks

Erdoğan’s visit marked Azerbaijan’s Victory Day and the sixth anniversary of the Second Karabakh War.
Both leaders highlighted the role of the Shusha Declaration, signed on June 15, 2021, in their alliance.
Erdoğan said support for reconstruction and development efforts in Karabakh would continue.
Aliyev identified shared history, language, literature and spiritual values as foundations of relations between the two countries.

How did the Shusha Declaration change relations?

According to both leaders, the Shusha Declaration formally elevated relations between Türkiye and Azerbaijan to an alliance. Erdoğan said the document, signed in Shusha on June 15, 2021, strengthened their brotherly ties through an alliance. Aliyev said it gave a formal framework to the historical and cultural bonds that already existed.

According to TRT Haber’s report, credited to TRT Haber-AA, Erdoğan said those seeking to weaken these ties would not achieve their aims. He said they were also working to promote the same vision across the Turkic world.

Aliyev also described the two countries as allies even before the declaration. He said preserving their unity was a responsibility shared by both peoples and their leaders, adding that they would not allow anyone to undermine their solidarity for personal interests.

Reconstruction and peace on the agenda for Karabakh

The specific commitment concerning Karabakh was Türkiye’s continued contribution to reconstruction and development efforts. Erdoğan said they were following Azerbaijan’s work to rebuild the region. He also described the restoration of its heritage as a sign of the Azerbaijani people’s faith in the future.

Shared culture and reflections on wartime support

Describing Türkiye-Azerbaijan relations as “one nation, two states,” Erdoğan said their closeness went beyond a shared language, history and culture. He said Baku’s joy was shared in Ankara, while Shusha’s pride was shared across Türkiye.

Discussing the cultural foundations of the relationship, Aliyev listed shared history, ethnic roots, language, literature and spiritual values. He said relations between the two states had developed on that foundation.

Wartime political contacts were also discussed at the press conference. Aliyev said Erdoğan’s statement and telephone conversation with him in the opening hours of the Second Karabakh War had given Azerbaijan strength and boosted morale. He thanked Erdoğan and the Turkish people, saying Türkiye had stood alongside Azerbaijan throughout the 44 days.

Aliyev also described the unity between Türkiye and Azerbaijan as a source of regional stability, cooperation and security. He said Erdoğan’s presence in Karabakh on Victory Day demonstrated that unity.

Frequently asked questions

What was the occasion for Erdoğan’s visit to Azerbaijan?

According to Aliyev, the visit marked Azerbaijan’s Victory Day and the sixth anniversary of the Second Karabakh War.

When was the Shusha Declaration signed?

The Shusha Declaration was signed in Shusha on June 15, 2021. Both leaders said the document formally elevated Türkiye-Azerbaijan relations to an alliance.