Yaşar Güler: Heroism of martyrs and veterans is the strongest guarantee for Türkiye and Azerbaijan

The heroic efforts made by martyrs and veterans for the independence of Türkiye and Azerbaijan, the unity of the two peoples and the future of the two states are the strongest guarantee, Turkish National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler said.

According to Haber Global, cited by Report, he noted that veterans are a living embodiment of the people's will for independence and freedom.

"During the most critical periods of our glorious history, you fought for our sacred values with great courage and determination. Sometimes at the border, sometimes on the front lines, and sometimes during the most difficult days for our country and Azerbaijan, you served your homeland and duty with devotion and did not shy away from making sacrifices. Each time, with the same high fighting spirit, you took on responsibility and made an enormous contribution to bringing our countries to where they are today and enabling each of us to look to the future with confidence," Yaşar Güler said, addressing the veterans.

The minister noted that amid the ongoing crises and conflicts in neighboring regions, Türkiye, while safeguarding its own security, is acting as a responsible state contributing to regional peace and stability.

"On the one hand, for the security of our borders and the peace of our people, we maintain our deterrence capabilities at the highest possible level, while on the other hand, we demonstrate an approach that prioritizes peace, stability and dialogue in resolving international issues. Türkiye's activity is increasing day by day across a vast area stretching from the Balkans to the Caucasus and from the Black Sea to the Middle East and Africa.

The missions carried out by our heroic armed forces in various regions also clearly demonstrate our country's weight and responsibility in the international security architecture. To maintain this position and further strengthen it, we are constantly developing the capabilities and professional skills of our armed forces.

Our domestic defense industry, which has made significant progress in recent years thanks to the support and encouragement of President [of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan], is making a particularly significant contribution to strengthening our country's power and international influence, from security to the economy," Yaşar Güler stressed.