On June 19, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, paid a working visit to Türkiye, where he met with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of the Republic of Türkiye, to inaugurate the "Azerbaijan" neighborhood in Kahramanmaraş and reaffirm the enduring solidarity between their nations.
Upon his arrival at Kahramanmaraş International Airport, Aliyev was welcomed by Erdoğan with a guard of honor. During their meeting in Kahramanmaraş, the two leaders emphasized the strength of Azerbaijan–Türkiye relations and jointly attended the official opening of the "Azerbaijan" neighborhood, a residential area rebuilt with Azerbaijan’s support after the devastating earthquakes of February 6, 2023.
Aliyev stated at the ceremony that "the people of Azerbaijan regarded this tragedy as their own," recalling how tens of thousands of Azerbaijanis mobilized from the very first day to send humanitarian aid, fulfilling their fraternal duty.
Aliyev underscored the unbreakable unity between the two nations, declaring, "Our joint participation in today’s opening of the Azerbaijan neighborhood with my dear brother is yet another manifestation of our unity and friendship." He further noted that Azerbaijan has always stood by Türkiye and Türkiye by Azerbaijan, emphasizing that this spirit of brotherhood strengthens both nations during both joyous and difficult times.
He also recalled the signing of the Shusha Declaration in 2021, which formally elevated Azerbaijani–Turkish relations to the level of an alliance. "We are friends, brothers, and allies," Aliyev stated, adding that both countries are progressing confidently together in political, economic, energy, transport, military, and other sectors. He concluded by declaring that the Türkiye–Azerbaijan brotherhood has become a vital force not only for their region but on a global scale.
Speaking at the event, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya drew a symbolic parallel between Karabakh and Kahramanmaraş, stating, "For Türkiye, Karabakh means the same as Kahramanmaraş for Azerbaijan," and thanked the Azerbaijani people for their solidarity. He reported that with Azerbaijan’s support, 1,213 apartments, 1,782 jobs, and one school had been completed in the area.
In his address, Erdoğan expressed deep gratitude for Azerbaijan’s assistance, remarking that "the fraternal support of Azerbaijan under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev will forever remain in the heart of Kahramanmaraş." He added, "We are two states with one heart," affirming that Azerbaijan’s swift aid in the aftermath of the earthquake would never be forgotten. Erdoğan acknowledged the roles of both Ilham Aliyev and Mehriban Aliyeva in these efforts and stated that similar reconstruction projects were being carried out in other quake-hit regions.