Lachin, Azerbaijan – May 28, 2025
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a powerful address during Azerbaijan’s 28 May Independence Day celebrations, emphasizing the profound bond between Türkiye and Azerbaijan and celebrating the rebirth of Karabakh as a symbol of national resilience. The visit, which included the inauguration of the Lachin International Airport and the Türkiye-Azerbaijan-Pakistan Trilateral Summit, highlighted the enduring partnership between the two nations and their shared vision for a prosperous future.
A Celebration of Independence and Brotherhood
Speaking at a cultural event in Lachin, President Erdoğan extended heartfelt greetings to the Azerbaijani people, joined by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. “I greet you with the warmest sentiments of respect and affection,” Erdoğan began. “From Baku to Ganja, from Shusha to Nakhchivan, I send my love and respects to our brothers and sisters across Azerbaijan. I bring the greetings of 86 million Turks whose hearts beat with the spirit of ‘one nation, two states’—and today, with Pakistan, we stand as three states, one nation.”
Commemorating Azerbaijan’s Independence Day, Erdoğan reflected on the sacrifices that secured the nation’s sovereignty. “As the son of a nation that knows the value of independence, I wholeheartedly congratulate you on your 28 May Independence Day,” he said. “We honor the heroes who crowned our glorious struggles for independence with their martyrdom. May their souls rest in peace, and may their place be in paradise.”
Karabakh: The Sound of a Nation’s Rebirth
Erdoğan’s speech struck a poignant note as he described the liberation of Karabakh as a historic turning point. “With the liberation of Karabakh, every note rising from these lands is not just the sound of victory but the voice of a nation’s rebirth,” he declared. He highlighted the cultural significance of the event, noting that the music performed during the celebration carried “the voice of Karabakh’s free lands, the echo of freedom in Shusha’s stones, the hope growing in Lachin’s valleys, and the manifestation of national will flourishing in Ganja and Baku.”
He added, “Every melody played here embodies the spirit of a magnificent victory, paid for with the sacred blood of our heroic martyrs. This concert is a precious gathering that salutes our eternal brotherhood, our shared memory, and our prosperous, strong future.”
Lachin International Airport: A Milestone in Reconstruction
The visit coincided with the opening of the Lachin International Airport, the third international airport in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories. Erdoğan, joined by President Aliyev, officially inaugurated the facility, which symbolizes Azerbaijan’s rapid progress in rebuilding Karabakh. Reflecting on previous milestones, Erdoğan noted, “We had the honor of opening the Füzuli and Zangilan international airports with my dear brother Ilham. Today, it is our privilege to open the Lachin International Airport.”
The airport, constructed with contributions from Turkish companies, is expected to boost regional connectivity, tourism, and economic development. Erdoğan praised the collaboration, stating, “From energy to transportation, from defense to trade, from agriculture to education, we are forging strong partnerships with Azerbaijan. Thanks to my brother Ilham’s invaluable contributions, our relations are reaching a level that serves as an example not only for our region but for the entire world.”
Strengthening Ties Through the Trilateral Summit
The Türkiye-Azerbaijan-Pakistan Trilateral Summit, attended by Erdoğan, Aliyev, and Sharif, reinforced the commitment to regional cooperation. Discussions focused on advancing economic ties, energy security, and defense collaboration, with a particular emphasis on projects like the Zangezur Corridor, which aims to enhance trade connectivity. Erdoğan underscored the unity of the three nations, saying, “The brotherly bonds between Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan reflect a shared vision for a prosperous future.”
A Vision for Peace and Prosperity in Karabakh
Erdoğan emphasized that the liberation of Karabakh marks a new chapter for the region. “After 30 years of occupation, the time has come to write a story of success, peace, and development for Karabakh,” he said. Expressing confidence in President Aliyev’s leadership, he added, “We believe that our victorious Commander-in-Chief, Mr. Aliyev, will also go down in history as the architect of peace.”
He reiterated Türkiye’s unwavering support for Azerbaijan, stating, “Just as we stand by Azerbaijan in good times, we will always be by their side in difficult times. May God make the brotherhood between Türkiye and Azerbaijan eternal.”
Gratitude and Solidarity
Erdoğan concluded his address by thanking the Azerbaijani people for their hospitality and acknowledging Prime Minister Sharif’s presence. “I express my gratitude to our Lachin brothers and sisters and to my dear friend, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, for gracing this meaningful day with their presence,” he said. “Once again, I congratulate you on your 28 May Independence Day. May God keep our path clear and our destiny bright. Until we meet and embrace again, I entrust you to God’s care.”
A Historic Moment
The events of May 28, 2025, underscored the unbreakable bond between Türkiye and Azerbaijan, with the Lachin International Airport standing as a testament to their shared commitment to progress. As Azerbaijan continues to rebuild its liberated territories, Türkiye’s steadfast support remains a cornerstone of this transformative journey. The Trilateral Summit further solidified the strategic partnership with Pakistan, paving the way for a future defined by peace, stability, and prosperity.
