Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar on Tuesday, during a joint press conference on Tuesday in Ankara with his Azerbaijani counterpart Zakir Hasanov, stated that the presidents of the two countries have “extended a hand of peace” to Armenia following the 2020 Artsakh war.

“We expect and hope that this hand of peace will be evaluated. In this way, we strive to ensure that peace and, accordingly, prosperity, prevail not only in terms of Azerbaijan-Armenia or Armenia-Turkey, but also in the entire Caucasus,” Akar said according to a Turkish Defense Ministry statement. 

Akar, addressing Hasanov as “my dear brother”, said Turkey and Azerbaijan are closely cooperating in several fields in Karabakh including the military.

"This cooperation is implemented in all directions, from agriculture to industry," Akar said, adding that the two countries will continue to deepen cooperation in the fields of security and defense.

Akar said such cooperation should not be seen as a threat to other countries.

“Our hope is that everyone will find peace and tranquility as soon as possible and live in safety and prosperity,” Akar said.

Hasanov, calling the 2020 Artsakh war the “Battle for the Homeland”, said that Azerbaijan is reforming its military structure in line with the Turkish Armed Forces.

“I am sure that in a short time, the Azerbaijani Army will increase its combat capability and will be ready to operate together with the Turkish Armed Forces, by implementing all the regulations,” Hasanov is quoted as saying at the press conference.

Photo (Turkish Defense Ministry): Azerbaijani Defense Minster Hasanov, Turkish Defense Minister Akar