On the occasion of the 10th anniversary of July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day, messages of solidarity and congratulations continue to pour in from world leaders.
President İlham Aliyev of Azerbaijan
President İlham Aliyev of Azerbaijan extended a message to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on the occasion of the 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day.
In his message, President Aliyev honoured with respect all martyrs who lost their lives defending their homeland against the treacherous coup attempt by FETO, conveying his condolences to the martyrs' families and the brotherly Turkish nation.
President Aliyev of Azerbaijan noted that 15 July marked one of the most tragic and equally honourable chapters in Türkiye's recent history, emphasising that the treacherous coup attempt that aimed to undermine the state's structure, constitutional order, national will, and democratic foundations of the country was thwarted by the Turkish nation's unwavering resolve, courage, and devotion to their homeland.
President Aliyev of Azerbaijan underscored that thousands of citizens who took to the streets to defend their state, flag, and national values represented a true epic of heroism that is now etched into the memory of the Turkish nation, adding:
"Your steadfast and foresighted leadership, the unwavering unity of your nation around you, and their immediate and unhesitating response to your calls were among the main factors that shielded your country from a great disaster on that fateful night. Under your leadership, Türkiye emerged from this ordeal even stronger, once again showing to the whole world its national will and state tradition."
President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan highlighted that the events of 15 July demonstrated that no treacherous plot or destructive force can prevail in the face of unity between the people and the state, adding that Democracy and National Unity Day, commemorated annually, symbolises the Turkish nation's solidarity, spirit of resilience, state tradition, and determination to safeguard their freedom.
President Aliyev emphasised that Azerbaijan stood in solidarity with its brotherly country, Türkiye, during the attempted coup, just as it always has in line with the principle of "One nation, two states," underlining that this once again demonstrated the strength and unbreakable nature of the fraternal bonds between the nations of the two countries. Noting that friendship and brotherhood between the two countries constitute a strong legacy to be passed on to future generations, President Aliyev of Azerbaijan added that he remains confident that their strategic alliance will continue to deepen and grow stronger through joint efforts while gaining new dimensions.
Concluding his message, Aliyev wished good health and continued success to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and expressed his hopes for peace, prosperity, and well-being for brotherly Türkiye.
Denis Bećirović, Chairman and Bosniak Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina
Denis Bećirović, the Chairman and Bosniak Member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, said that during the attempted coup of 15 July 2016, the Turkish nation and the government led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had defended democracy.
On the occasion of the 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day, Bećirović visited Türkiye's Ambassador to Sarajevo, Emin Akseki. Bećirović was received by Ambassador Akseki at the embassy, where he was briefed on the embassy's activities and signed the guest book.
In a written statement issued afterwards, Bećirović said that the attempted coup of 15 July 2016 had demonstrated the threats that democratic institutions could face. Bećirović added that the Turkish nation and the government led by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had defended their democracy by resisting the coup attempt, recalling that Bosnia and Herzegovina had extended strong support to Türkiye and the Turkish nation at the time.
Bećirović stressed that any threat directed against democratically elected institutions posed a risk to regional security and international stability, noting that Bosnia and Herzegovina remained committed to defending democratic values, the rule of law, and the principles of political dialogue.
Describing the Republic of Türkiye as "a proven friend of Bosnia and Herzegovina", Bećirović expressed his hope that Türkiye would continue to advance as a modern and prosperous country that supports peace, security, and economic development.