In a press conference with Azerbaijani President Aliyev after the Igdir-Nahcivan Natural Gas Pipeline Groundbreaking Ceremony, President Erdoğan expressed his pride in the successful completion of the anti-terrorist operation by the Azerbaijani army in a short time.

Stating that he expected Armenia to hold the hand of peace extended to it, Erdoğan used the following expressions:

"Critical developments have taken place in our region in recent days. Unfortunately, Azerbaijan could not find the necessary response to its legitimate and justified concerns, which it has repeatedly expressed for nearly 3 years after the Second Karabakh War. As a result, it had to carry out an anti-terrorist operation in its own sovereign territory. The successful completion of the operation in an extremely short period of time, with utmost sensitivity to the rights of civilians, has been a source of pride for us. I wish Allah's mercy to our brothers who were martyred during the operation and condolences to their relatives. I wish a speedy recovery to our wounded. I sincerely congratulate the victorious Azerbaijani army for its historical success and its humanitarian attitude towards civilians. Our Azerbaijani brothers have once again shown the justice and compassion of the Turkish nation to the whole world. With the recent victory, new windows of opportunity have opened for a comprehensive normalisation in the region. I believe that this opportunity should be utilised. We expect Armenia to take the hand of peace extended to it and take sincere steps. As I have always emphasised, peace has no losers. The establishment of peace, tranquility and prosperity in our region is our debt to our peoples. We are determined and sincere in fulfilling this debt. We hope that our interlocutors will show the same sincerity."

"THIS PROJECT WILL DEEPEN OUR ENERGY PARTNERSHIP"

President Erdoğan stated that the Igdir-Nahcivan Natural Gas Pipeline project will deepen the partnership between Turkey and Azerbaijan in the field of energy and said: "Nakhchivan has a special place in our relations with Azerbaijan due to its strategic importance throughout history. Today, Nakhchivan has a great potential in terms of economy, transport and energy lines. With the establishment of regional transport lines, we will have the opportunity to fully realise this potential. The importance of the Caspian Trans-Caspian East-West Central Corridor has become much better understood as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and the wars in our region. On this occasion, the Igdir-Nakhchivan Natural Gas Pipeline project, the foundation of which we have just laid, will further deepen our partnership with Azerbaijan in the field of energy and contribute to Europe's energy supply security. In addition to the Kars-Nakhchivan Railway Project, agreements on public housing and electric energy have just been signed. Thus, we have again demonstrated our will to develop our relations in the fields of transport, logistics and energy."

"OUR RELATIONS ARE IN AN EXCEPTIONAL AND UNIQUE POSITION"

Underlining that the relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan are in a unique position, Erdoğan said: "I have proudly observed the development of Nakhchivan since my last visit in 2008. On the 100th anniversary of the birth of Heydar Aliyev, the National Leader of Azerbaijan, who had a great share in Nakhchivan's current position, I once again remember him with mercy. The relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan are in an exceptional position that is unique in the world. We continue our efforts to strengthen our relations and cooperation in every field within the framework of the motto of one nation, two states. The Shusha Declaration signed with my brother Ilham is a milestone that elevates our relations to the level of alliance."

"WE WILL NOT FORGET THE SINCERITY OF OUR AZERBAIJANI BROTHERS"

Referring to the support shown by the Azerbaijani people after the 6 February Kahramanmaraş earthquakes, President Erdoğan said: "I would like to thank our Azerbaijani brothers and sisters once again on behalf of myself and my nation for their strong support in healing the wounds of the 6 February earthquakes. We will never forget the sincerity of our brothers and sisters who loaded everything they had on their cars and set out to help our nation. After our press conference, we will open the military maintenance and repair factory, which we have modernised. This project will also make serious contributions to our defence industry cooperation."