By Aynur Jafarova
On his first official visit to Turkey after reelection, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev visited the Turkish Aerospace Industries, Inc. on November 12.
President Aliyev was accompanied by his Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul.
The two presidents watched the flight performances of the Hurkush basic trainer aircraft and the T129 attack helicopter from the control tower.
The Head of State was informed that Turkish Aircraft Industries Corporation (TUSAS) was established in 1973 under the auspices of the Industry and Technology Ministry to reduce the defense industry’s dependency on foreign supply.
TUSAS Aerospace Industries, Inc. (TAI) was established by Turkish and U.S. partners in 1984 for a period of 25 years with the aim of carrying out the manufacture, system integration, and flight tests of the F-16 aircraft that would be delivered to the TurAF.
TAI was restructured in 2005, just before the end of the 25-year period, with the acquisition of foreign shares by Turkish shareholders. Along with this restructuring, the TAI and the TUSAS merged under the TAI and broadened their activities.
Known as TAI today, it has become Turkey’s center of technology in design, development, modernization, manufacturing, integration, and life cycle support of integrated aerospace systems, from fixed and rotary wing air platforms to UAVs and satellites.
TAI is ranked among the top hundred global players in aerospace and defense arena.
President Aliyev reviewed the technical parameters of the Hurkush basic trainer aircraft which was recently remodeled.
He was also informed on the technical parameters of the T129 attack helicopter.
The company has a modern aircraft facility furnished with high technology machinery and equipment that provide extensive manufacturing capabilities ranging from parts manufacturing to aircraft assembly, flight tests, and delivery.
President Aliyev was informed on the ANKA unmanned aircraft as well.
As part of his official visit to Ankara, the Azerbaijani president met Chairman of Turkish Grand National Assembly Cemil Cicek, and they discussed the current state of and prospects for friendly and fraternal relations between the two countries.
President Aliyev and Cicek noted that ties between the two countries share common historical and cultural roots and have strong foundations.
Expansion of inter-parliamentary ties between Azerbaijan and Turkey was also among the discussed issues.
They praised Turkish Grand National Assembly’s support of Azerbaijan’s position on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and emphasized the importance of developing cooperation between the two countries’ parliaments.
The sides also emphasized that the fraternal countries will continue supporting each other.
During his visit to Turkey, President Aliyev met Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.
They praised the relations between the two countries in all fields, specially the political one.
The two sides stressed the importance of joint cooperation in international organizations.
The Azerbaijani President and the Turkish FM expressed confidence that bilateral relations would expand further.
Later, an official dinner was held in honor of President Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva in Ankara on behalf of Turkish President Abdullah Gul and his spouse Hayrunnisa Gul.
Source: Azernews.Az