Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye's support for Azerbaijan's efforts to establish lasting peace in the South Caucasus during a joint news conference with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Shusha on November 8, 2026. Speaking at the sixth anniversary of the liberation of Karabakh, Erdogan stated that the liberation of the territory had opened the door to a new era in the region.
Erdogan told the press that just as Türkiye supported Azerbaijan's just struggle, it also supports its sincere efforts to establish lasting peace. He described the victory as a reflection of Azerbaijan's just cause and a source of pride for the entire Turkic world. He noted that the liberation of territories from occupation during the 44-day Second Karabakh War in 2020 ushered in this new era, stating, "The task before us today is to crown the victory achieved on the battlefield with lasting peace and stability."
The Turkish leader praised Azerbaijan's reconstruction efforts, noting that every home with a renewed hearth and every piece of restored historical heritage demonstrates the Azerbaijani people's confidence in the future. Erdogan confirmed that Türkiye would continue to share its experience and contribute to these development efforts. He cited specific joint projects, such as the Türkiye-Azerbaijan International Forestry Training Center and Nursery Facilities in Cebrayil, as examples of bilateral cooperation. He also mentioned that construction had begun on a 40-classroom school in Aghdam, which he hopes to inaugurate with Aliyev next year.
During his journey from Fuzuli International Airport to Shusha, Erdogan noted that the delegation passed through seven tunnels, which he said demonstrate how successful infrastructure construction in the region has been. He expressed belief that Shusha and Fuzuli would look very different during his next visit.
Erdogan highlighted the "one nation, two states" motto, describing the unity between the two countries as an everlasting torch. He emphasized that the bond goes beyond shared language, history, and culture, stating, "This is why we regard Baku's joy as Ankara's joy and Shusha's pride as the pride of our entire nation." He also stressed the significance of the Shusha Declaration signed on June 15, 2021, which elevated relations to the level of an alliance. He warned that those seeking to weaken this brotherhood will never achieve their goals.
President Aliyev expressed gratitude to Erdogan and the Turkish people for their solidarity during the 44-day Second Karabakh War, stating it will never be forgotten. He described the unity between the two nations as "eternal and unshakable," asserting that those seeking to drive a wedge between them will never succeed. Aliyev noted that while the Shusha Declaration placed historical relations within an official framework, the two countries had always been allies based on shared ethnic roots, language, and spiritual values.
Aliyev stated that neither country would allow outside forces to undermine their solidarity for personal interests. He praised Türkiye's growing international influence, strong economy, and political weight as a source of strength for both nations. He concluded by stating that the two countries were together in the past, during the war, and will be together in the future.
