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TURKISH MINISTER OF DEFENSE: TURKEY STRONGLY SUPPORTS AZERBAIJAN IN NAGORNO KARABAKH CONFLICT - INTERVIEW - EXCLUSIVE
APA, Azerbaijan
Oct 13 2011
Ismet Yilmaz: Strength of Azerbaijani Armed Forces will be the biggest
guarantor of the regional peace
Baku. Rashad Suleymanov - APA. APA's interview with Turkey's Minister
of National Defense Ismet Yilmaz
-Mr. Minister, we would like to know your opinion on the current
level and development of Turkey-Azerbaijan military relations.
-First of all I want to start with congratulation on the 20th
anniversary of Azerbaijan's independence. I am pleased to see that
Azerbaijan has done much in every sphere within the past 20 years.
Turkey and Azerbaijan have comprehensive military partnership based on
long years and mutual confidence. Our relations, which started after
Azerbaijan regained its independence, have developed with education,
training and other programs. We continue making efforts to unite our
power in the defense industry. We see that the relevant bodies of the
two countries have common demand and will. The cooperation between
our countries in the sphere of defense industry was established with
the agreements signed on August 11, 1992 and on June 10, 1996. I think
that "Agreement on Strategic Partnership and Mutual Assistance" signed
last year made a turning point in our military relations. Strength
of Azerbaijani Armed Forces will be the biggest guarantor of the
regional peace. As the Turkish proverb says: "If you want peace,
prepare for war". The existence of the factors posing threat to the
stability in the South Caucasus, poses serious threat to Azerbaijan's
independence and regional peace. Approximately 5 000 Azerbaijanis have
got military education in Turkey up to now. A lot of Azerbaijanis are
still studying at military schools in Turkey. We will continue making
efforts towards the development of the strategic relations that are
improving basing on the brotherly relations between the two countries.
-Azerbaijan is marking the 20th anniversary of its independence.
Turkey has supported Azerbaijan in all spheres, particularly in
the military sphere in the past 20 years. What has been achieved in
the military cooperation and defense industry? What do you see in
the future?
-I am glad that Azerbaijan has achieved much in all spheres, including
military in the past 20 years. Azerbaijan has got one of the strongest
armies in the region with increased opportunities and abilities. This
is a source of pride not only for the Azerbaijani people, but also
for the Turkish people.
On the other hand, partnership with Azerbaijan in defense industry is
developing. These relations are realized by the companies and state
organizations in accordance with the international agreements. The
mutual visits of a number of delegations in the area of defense
industry played an important role in the development of the relations.
The agreement signed on September 20, 2000, determined the legal
framework of the development of cooperation in the defense industry.
ASELSAN-Baku company, which was established in 1998, plays an
important role in meeting most technical requirements of Azerbaijani
Army. But I can say that our cooperation in defense industry is in
the initial stage. This cooperation must be enhanced. Great process
of development has been recently observed in the defense industry of
Turkey. The projects on communication systems, armoured vehicles,
missiles, national shipbuilding and production of helicopters must
be realized in line with the NATO standards.
-What issues will be on the agenda during your visit to Azerbaijan?
What new can Turkey offer to improve cooperation in defense industry?
-We look forward to comprehensive and long-lasting joint cooperation
with Azerbaijan. No doubt, the improvements in the defense
industries of Turkey and Azerbaijan will ensure the development
of our cooperation. In the light of the development in our defense
industry we are viewing the future much more differently. We have got
strong relations with Azerbaijan in all spheres. It is one of our most
important plans to improve these relations in the sphere of defense
industry, as well. Nagorno Karabakh conflict and the situation in the
region is one of the issues that will be discussed during the visit.
Nagorno Karabakh conflict caused the exile of hundred thousands
Azerbaijanis from their homes and the occupation of 20% of Azerbaijani
lands. This is a fact. This problem creates great obstacle to the
security, stability and development of the region. The settlement of
the conflict on the basis of international law and decisions of the
international organizations will ensure peace in the region. One
of the Turkey's targets is a sustainable peace in the region and
confidence between the people. Turkey continues its active positions
on the peaceful settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict, renders every
diplomatic and political support to Azerbaijan in the international
organizations. Turkey supports Azerbaijan on Nagorno Karabakh conflict
with all opportunities. Our President and Prime Minister also stated
it during their visits. We closely watch the activity of the Minsk
Group. We hope that the activity of the co-chair countries - US,
France and Russia - will be accelerated in the near future. Attentive
watching the peace process and fixing the date is significant for
both Azerbaijan and Armenia because only the two parties can put an
end to this conflict.
-Turkey has recently realized great projects on unmanned flying
vehicles, "Atak", "Milli tank", "Milgem". What are the targets of
Turkey's defense industry towards Caucasus and Turkic republics?
-As you know, Turkey is the neighbor of the most unstable regions of
the world. Turkey is a country, which is in the center of the Middle
East, Balkans and of course the Caucasus with unstable situation,
which potential can influence the entire Eurasia. We see that
Azerbaijan is not so different. Though Azerbaijan is a strong state,
it has undergone the possible influence of instability in the South
Caucasus. So, it is important that our countries, located in the
environment with close conflict risks, have their defense industries.
Defense industry is a strategic sector. It is one of our major plans to
meet our military needs with the national sources. Turkey has launched
a number of national projects in this sphere. We have nationalized
communication and command-control systems. I can say that we have
reached a good level in the area of unmanned flying vehicles.
We see that the interest in this technology is increasing in the
world. On the other hand, the ships built by our national companies
within the framework of "Milgem" project are operating. Serious
achievements have been made in "Atak" helicopter project. The first
prototype of the helicopter started test flights in August. Of course,
it is important to use this achievement not only in our country,
but also in Azerbaijan and republics in the Central Asia. We do not
regard this issue only as commercial. The development of the defense
capacity of Azerbaijan and all brotherly states is very important
for our strategic unity.
-"Agreement on Strategic Cooperation and Mutual Assistance" between
Azerbaijan and Turkey was ratified early in 2011. The agreement
envisaging high-level cooperation prioritizes military issues,
particularly defense industry. How can Azerbaijan participate in
the abovementioned projects of Turkey within the framework of this
agreement?
- I would like to remind that Turkey was the first country which
recognized Azerbaijan's independence declared on October 18, 1991. The
diplomatic relations were established with a protocol signed on
January 14, 1992. After that date we see sustainable development of
relations between the two countries in all spheres on the basis of
history and culture. The level of our relations reached the level of
strategic partnership as a result of this development. The "Agreement
on Strategic Cooperation and Mutual Assistance" is a very significant
agreement. Azerbaijan and Turkey contemplate to strengthen political,
defense, economic, commercial, cultural and other relations. Turkey
remains as Azerbaijan's most significant ally in the region. I think
that this agreement is an important value in further development
of our alliance. We will continue our work towards meeting of
all requirements and desires of our countries during the military
cooperation with Azerbaijan.
- Azerbaijan's ANAMA organization also attended tender of
mine-clearance on Turkey-Syria borders. According to some reports,
the work has started for establishment of humanitarian mine-clearance
center attached to the Turkish Defense Ministry like in Azerbaijan. We
would like you to inform us about this project. How do you assess
the interstate cooperation in mine-clearance sphere?
- The mine-clearance of all borders is a significant target
for Turkey. The mine-clearance operations have been started on
Turkey-Syria. Azerbaijani National Agency for Mine Actions (ANAMA)
also attended the tender. I would like to remind that Turkey joined
the mine-clearance operations in Saloglu region near Gandja, realized
within cooperation with NATO, as a leader country. The success of
ANAMA, which carried out and finished mine-clearing operations here,
are estimable. The finish of this project is an indicator of distance
overcame by Azerbaijan in the field of UXO/mine clearance. Turkey's
national activities in the mine-clearance sphere are also continuing.
>>From the other side, we are ready for international cooperation in
this sphere.
- How does Ankara consider the issue on establishment of
Turkey-Azerbaijan or Turkey-Azerbaijan-Georgia military union in
the region? What role the establishment of such union can play in the
maintenance of stability in the region, at the same time in integration
of Azerbaijani and Georgian armed forces into the NATO standards?
- We target to develop our military and defense relations with
Azerbaijan. The education of Azerbaijani Armed Forces in accordance
with the NATO standards and weapon and maintenance are very important
for the region's stability. Turkey supports Azerbaijan's relations with
NATO and other Western organizations. We think that the Azerbaijan-NATO
cooperation within the Partnership for Peace is profitable, as well as
this cooperation is significant from the point of view of Azerbaijan's
economical and political interests.
APA, Azerbaijan
Oct 13 2011
Ismet Yilmaz: Strength of Azerbaijani Armed Forces will be the biggest
guarantor of the regional peace
Baku. Rashad Suleymanov - APA. APA's interview with Turkey's Minister
of National Defense Ismet Yilmaz
-Mr. Minister, we would like to know your opinion on the current
level and development of Turkey-Azerbaijan military relations.
-First of all I want to start with congratulation on the 20th
anniversary of Azerbaijan's independence. I am pleased to see that
Azerbaijan has done much in every sphere within the past 20 years.
Turkey and Azerbaijan have comprehensive military partnership based on
long years and mutual confidence. Our relations, which started after
Azerbaijan regained its independence, have developed with education,
training and other programs. We continue making efforts to unite our
power in the defense industry. We see that the relevant bodies of the
two countries have common demand and will. The cooperation between
our countries in the sphere of defense industry was established with
the agreements signed on August 11, 1992 and on June 10, 1996. I think
that "Agreement on Strategic Partnership and Mutual Assistance" signed
last year made a turning point in our military relations. Strength
of Azerbaijani Armed Forces will be the biggest guarantor of the
regional peace. As the Turkish proverb says: "If you want peace,
prepare for war". The existence of the factors posing threat to the
stability in the South Caucasus, poses serious threat to Azerbaijan's
independence and regional peace. Approximately 5 000 Azerbaijanis have
got military education in Turkey up to now. A lot of Azerbaijanis are
still studying at military schools in Turkey. We will continue making
efforts towards the development of the strategic relations that are
improving basing on the brotherly relations between the two countries.
-Azerbaijan is marking the 20th anniversary of its independence.
Turkey has supported Azerbaijan in all spheres, particularly in
the military sphere in the past 20 years. What has been achieved in
the military cooperation and defense industry? What do you see in
the future?
-I am glad that Azerbaijan has achieved much in all spheres, including
military in the past 20 years. Azerbaijan has got one of the strongest
armies in the region with increased opportunities and abilities. This
is a source of pride not only for the Azerbaijani people, but also
for the Turkish people.
On the other hand, partnership with Azerbaijan in defense industry is
developing. These relations are realized by the companies and state
organizations in accordance with the international agreements. The
mutual visits of a number of delegations in the area of defense
industry played an important role in the development of the relations.
The agreement signed on September 20, 2000, determined the legal
framework of the development of cooperation in the defense industry.
ASELSAN-Baku company, which was established in 1998, plays an
important role in meeting most technical requirements of Azerbaijani
Army. But I can say that our cooperation in defense industry is in
the initial stage. This cooperation must be enhanced. Great process
of development has been recently observed in the defense industry of
Turkey. The projects on communication systems, armoured vehicles,
missiles, national shipbuilding and production of helicopters must
be realized in line with the NATO standards.
-What issues will be on the agenda during your visit to Azerbaijan?
What new can Turkey offer to improve cooperation in defense industry?
-We look forward to comprehensive and long-lasting joint cooperation
with Azerbaijan. No doubt, the improvements in the defense
industries of Turkey and Azerbaijan will ensure the development
of our cooperation. In the light of the development in our defense
industry we are viewing the future much more differently. We have got
strong relations with Azerbaijan in all spheres. It is one of our most
important plans to improve these relations in the sphere of defense
industry, as well. Nagorno Karabakh conflict and the situation in the
region is one of the issues that will be discussed during the visit.
Nagorno Karabakh conflict caused the exile of hundred thousands
Azerbaijanis from their homes and the occupation of 20% of Azerbaijani
lands. This is a fact. This problem creates great obstacle to the
security, stability and development of the region. The settlement of
the conflict on the basis of international law and decisions of the
international organizations will ensure peace in the region. One
of the Turkey's targets is a sustainable peace in the region and
confidence between the people. Turkey continues its active positions
on the peaceful settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict, renders every
diplomatic and political support to Azerbaijan in the international
organizations. Turkey supports Azerbaijan on Nagorno Karabakh conflict
with all opportunities. Our President and Prime Minister also stated
it during their visits. We closely watch the activity of the Minsk
Group. We hope that the activity of the co-chair countries - US,
France and Russia - will be accelerated in the near future. Attentive
watching the peace process and fixing the date is significant for
both Azerbaijan and Armenia because only the two parties can put an
end to this conflict.
-Turkey has recently realized great projects on unmanned flying
vehicles, "Atak", "Milli tank", "Milgem". What are the targets of
Turkey's defense industry towards Caucasus and Turkic republics?
-As you know, Turkey is the neighbor of the most unstable regions of
the world. Turkey is a country, which is in the center of the Middle
East, Balkans and of course the Caucasus with unstable situation,
which potential can influence the entire Eurasia. We see that
Azerbaijan is not so different. Though Azerbaijan is a strong state,
it has undergone the possible influence of instability in the South
Caucasus. So, it is important that our countries, located in the
environment with close conflict risks, have their defense industries.
Defense industry is a strategic sector. It is one of our major plans to
meet our military needs with the national sources. Turkey has launched
a number of national projects in this sphere. We have nationalized
communication and command-control systems. I can say that we have
reached a good level in the area of unmanned flying vehicles.
We see that the interest in this technology is increasing in the
world. On the other hand, the ships built by our national companies
within the framework of "Milgem" project are operating. Serious
achievements have been made in "Atak" helicopter project. The first
prototype of the helicopter started test flights in August. Of course,
it is important to use this achievement not only in our country,
but also in Azerbaijan and republics in the Central Asia. We do not
regard this issue only as commercial. The development of the defense
capacity of Azerbaijan and all brotherly states is very important
for our strategic unity.
-"Agreement on Strategic Cooperation and Mutual Assistance" between
Azerbaijan and Turkey was ratified early in 2011. The agreement
envisaging high-level cooperation prioritizes military issues,
particularly defense industry. How can Azerbaijan participate in
the abovementioned projects of Turkey within the framework of this
agreement?
- I would like to remind that Turkey was the first country which
recognized Azerbaijan's independence declared on October 18, 1991. The
diplomatic relations were established with a protocol signed on
January 14, 1992. After that date we see sustainable development of
relations between the two countries in all spheres on the basis of
history and culture. The level of our relations reached the level of
strategic partnership as a result of this development. The "Agreement
on Strategic Cooperation and Mutual Assistance" is a very significant
agreement. Azerbaijan and Turkey contemplate to strengthen political,
defense, economic, commercial, cultural and other relations. Turkey
remains as Azerbaijan's most significant ally in the region. I think
that this agreement is an important value in further development
of our alliance. We will continue our work towards meeting of
all requirements and desires of our countries during the military
cooperation with Azerbaijan.
- Azerbaijan's ANAMA organization also attended tender of
mine-clearance on Turkey-Syria borders. According to some reports,
the work has started for establishment of humanitarian mine-clearance
center attached to the Turkish Defense Ministry like in Azerbaijan. We
would like you to inform us about this project. How do you assess
the interstate cooperation in mine-clearance sphere?
- The mine-clearance of all borders is a significant target
for Turkey. The mine-clearance operations have been started on
Turkey-Syria. Azerbaijani National Agency for Mine Actions (ANAMA)
also attended the tender. I would like to remind that Turkey joined
the mine-clearance operations in Saloglu region near Gandja, realized
within cooperation with NATO, as a leader country. The success of
ANAMA, which carried out and finished mine-clearing operations here,
are estimable. The finish of this project is an indicator of distance
overcame by Azerbaijan in the field of UXO/mine clearance. Turkey's
national activities in the mine-clearance sphere are also continuing.
>>From the other side, we are ready for international cooperation in
this sphere.
- How does Ankara consider the issue on establishment of
Turkey-Azerbaijan or Turkey-Azerbaijan-Georgia military union in
the region? What role the establishment of such union can play in the
maintenance of stability in the region, at the same time in integration
of Azerbaijani and Georgian armed forces into the NATO standards?
- We target to develop our military and defense relations with
Azerbaijan. The education of Azerbaijani Armed Forces in accordance
with the NATO standards and weapon and maintenance are very important
for the region's stability. Turkey supports Azerbaijan's relations with
NATO and other Western organizations. We think that the Azerbaijan-NATO
cooperation within the Partnership for Peace is profitable, as well as
this cooperation is significant from the point of view of Azerbaijan's
economical and political interests.