SPEAKER OF AZERBAIJAN PARLIAMENT RECEIVES DEPUTY CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF TURKEY

Azer Tag
[May 18, 2005, 22:13:25]

Chairman of Milli Majlis of the Azerbaijan Republic Murtuz Alaskarov
on 18 May received deputy chief of the General Staff of Armed forces of
the Turkish Republic, General of Army Ilker Bashbug and the delegation
he was accompanied.

Chairman of Parliament greeted the guest, noting that the friendly
and brotherly relations between two nations have deep roots. After
Azerbaijan regained state independence, these relations develop
on the base of principle “One nation, two states”. Development and
strengthening of relations with Turkey is one of the priorities of
the foreign policy of Azerbaijan. Thanks to nationwide leader of
Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev, these relations have acquired strategic
character and reached high level. After reciprocal visits of the
heads of two states, discussed were prospects of cooperation of the
two fraternal countries. President Ilham Aliyev continues this policy
and makes Greta contribution of development of the established links.

Mr. Alaskarov noted that the parliamentary links are also high
level. Friendship groups of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan and of
Grand National Assembly of Turkey function in both countries.

Chairman of Parliament with great satisfaction emphasized assistance
of the Turkish Armed Forces rendered to Azerbaijan in army building,
informed the guests on the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno Karabakh
conflict, updated on the efforts made for settlement of this problem,
expressed gratitude for fair position of Turkey in this question,
also dwelt with efforts of the international organizations in this
direction.

Mr. Ilker Bashbug expressed gratitude for warm reception and kind words
on his country, said Azerbaijan is a friendly and fraternal country
for him, and he feels himself in his homeland. The occupied regions
around Nagorno Karabakh should immediately be released, he said.

Deputy chief of the General Staff of Armed forces of the Turkish
Republic highly assessed armed forces of Azerbaijan. He said:
“Geopolitical position of Azerbaijan requires powerful army. I believe
the Azerbaijan Armed Forces and see it in the NATO. We shall make
necessary efforts in this direction”.

Ambassador of Turkey to Azerbaijan Turan Morali took part at the
reception.