By News Centre

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev sent a message to Turkish
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the occasion of July 15 Democracy
and National Unity Day, paying tribute to those who lost their
lives while defending Türkiye during the failed coup attempt and
reaffirming the enduring strategic partnership between the two
countries.

In his message, President Ilham Aliyev expressed his profound
respect for all the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in defense
of their homeland during the coup attempt orchestrated by the FETÖ
terrorist organization. He extended his deepest condolences to the
families of the victims and to the brotherly people of Türkiye.

President Ilham Aliyev described July 15 as one of the most
tragic, yet at the same time one of the most honorable chapters in
Türkiye’s modern history. He stressed that the treacherous coup
attempt, which sought to overthrow the constitutional order,
undermine the institutions of the state, suppress the national
will, and destroy the country’s democratic foundations, was
decisively defeated thanks to the unwavering determination,
courage, and patriotism of the Turkish people.

The Azerbaijani president noted that the sight of thousands of
citizens taking to the streets to defend their state, national
flag, and fundamental values has become a timeless symbol of
heroism that will remain engraved in the collective memory of the
Turkish nation.

Addressing President Erdoğan directly, President Ilham Aliyev
said:

“Your resolute and far-sighted leadership, together with the
unwavering unity of the Turkish people around you and their
immediate and unquestioning response to your calls, became one of
the decisive factors that saved your country from a major
catastrophe on that fateful night. Under your leadership, Türkiye
emerged from this ordeal even stronger and once again demonstrated
to the world the strength of its national will and the resilience
of its statehood traditions.”

President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that the events of July 15
clearly demonstrated that no treacherous plot or destructive force
can succeed when confronted by the unity of a nation and its state.
He added that Democracy and National Unity Day, commemorated
annually, has become a powerful symbol of the Turkish people’s
national solidarity, fighting spirit, long-standing state
traditions, and unwavering commitment to freedom.

The Azerbaijani leader also underscored that, guided by the
principle of “One Nation, Two States,” Azerbaijan stood firmly
alongside its brotherly nation throughout the coup attempt, just as
it always has. He said this solidarity once again proved the
exceptional strength and unbreakable nature of the fraternal ties
binding the peoples of Azerbaijan and Türkiye.

President Ilham Aliyev further stated that the friendship and
brotherhood between the two nations constitute a lasting legacy
that will be passed on to future generations. He expressed
confidence that the strategic alliance between Azerbaijan and
Türkiye will continue to deepen through joint efforts, gaining new
dimensions and becoming even stronger in the years ahead.

Concluding his message, President Ilham Aliyev wished President
Erdoğan good health and continued success in his duties, while
extending his sincere wishes for lasting peace, prosperity, and
well-being to the brotherly Republic of Türkiye.