The key facts

  • Ilham Aliyev congratulated Erdogan on the 103rd anniversary of the Republic of Turkey
  • The message emphasized the allied level of relations following the 2021 Shusha Declaration
  • Mehriban Aliyeva posted a separate congratulation on X

Congratulations on the anniversary of the republic

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev sent a congratulatory message to Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday on the occasion of the 103rd anniversary of Turkey's Republic Day, according to Turkish diplomatic sources. According to the text of the message published by the press service of the President of Azerbaijan, Aliyev noted that the two countries are bound by 'deep ties of friendship and brotherhood that have stood the test of time.'

Emphasis on the Shusha Declaration

In his message, Aliyev recalled that after the signing of the Shusha Declaration in 2021, bilateral relations were elevated to the highest level — an alliance — and 'acquired a qualitatively new dimension and content.' He wished Erdogan strong health, happiness, and success in carrying out the duties of the highest office, and wished Turkey and its people lasting peace and prosperity. Separately, First Lady and First Vice President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva posted a congratulatory message on the occasion of Republic Day on the social network X.

Historical context

On October 29, 1923, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk proclaimed the Republic of Turkey, establishing a new political order based on national sovereignty. The republic emerged as a result of the war of independence led by Ataturk — a national movement against foreign occupation and attempts to partition Anatolia after World War I.