The terrible earthquake that happened in Türkiye on February 6 shook the whole Turkic world. Unfortunately, the death toll is rising day after day. 

Azerbaijan stands by brother Türkiye in its difficult days like in its good times. Immediately after the earthquake, Mr. President Ilham Aliyev expressed his condolences to the President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and showed his readiness to provide all possible assistance to the brotherly country at this difficult moment. According to the order of the head of state, large-scale assistance from Azerbaijan to Türkiye has been started with regard to the elimination of the consequences of the tragedy. It is no coincidence that the first aid to the brotherly country went from Azerbaijan. Rescue teams have been involved in the search and assistance process in the quake-hit region since the first day and are working quite actively in the incident area.

At the same time, with the aim of supporting the victims of the earthquake in Türkiye, according to the instructions of the First Vice President of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation sent humanitarian aid to the brotherly country. 36 tons of aid was delivered to earthquake victims. Doctors, rescuers, volunteers are sent and will be sent. All the resources of the Fund and all the people working under the Fund are being used for the aid campaign.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev also visited the Turkish Embassy in Azerbaijan in respect of this tragedy, and expressed his condolences to the brotherly country. This was another example of true brotherhood. As our head of state said, Azerbaijan, as always, was with brother Türkiye from the very first minutes and we demonstrated our support and solidarity.

The people of Azerbaijan also voluntarily supports the brotherly country. People who come to collection points do their best to minimize the damage caused by the earthquake. As Mr. President Ilham Aliyev said, this fraternal support once again shows that true fraternal relations exist at the level of ordinary people as well as at the level of interstate and heads of states. These relations are at a level that will be an example for the whole world.

It is no coincidence that private companies in Azerbaijan also actively participate in the aid campaign. According to the instructions of the President Ilham Aliyev, aid issues will be managed from one centre. At the Embassy, our head of state mentioned that even in our hospitals, there are all conditions for the treatment of our wounded brothers and sisters. He noted that beds have already been allocated in Baku and other cities, including the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, and they are ready to receive patients if necessary.

We are also proud that volunteer groups go to the earthquake region. Our patriotic and humanistic young people take part in important processes inside the country, as well as take the lead in activities outside the country. They contribute to the Türkiye's recovery from this difficulty. We stand by Türkiye as a state and people until the end. We are sure that the state and people of Türkiye will come out of the difficulty and recover soon.