Turkish minister hails Azerbaijan’s anti-terror efforts

By Ruslan Rehimov

BAKU, Azerbaijan (AA) - Turkish Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul on Wednesday praised Azerbaijan's efforts in countering terrorism.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency during his visit to Azerbaijan, Gul said the fight against terrorist groups -- including Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO) -- was among the top agenda items during his meetings in Baku.

"Our Azerbaijani brothers have always stood by Turkey during its fight against FETO and other terrorist groups during Operation Olive Branch [in Syria], that is, all kinds of terrorist groups," the minister said.

FETO orchestrated the defeated coup of July 15, 2016 in Turkey, which left 250 people martyred and nearly 2,200 injured.

Ankara also accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary.

"They are proud of success of our soldiers," Gul said, adding that Turkey wants to diversify and strengthen bilateral cooperation with Azerbaijan.

On Tuesday, Gul met his Azerbaijani counterpart Fikret Memmedov as part of his official visit to the country.

Justice Minister Gul also met Azerbaijan’s President of the Court of Cassation Ramiz Rzayev.

Turkey on Jan. 20 launched Operation Olive Branch to clear terrorist groups from Afrin, northwestern Syria, near Turkey's border, amid growing threats from the region.

On March 18, Turkish-backed troops liberated the town of Afrin, which had been a major hideout for the terrorist organization PYD/PKK since 2012.

The Turkish Armed Forces are working to restore normal daily life in Afrin by providing necessary humanitarian aid to the region.

A total of 1,096 terrorists were “neutralized” in March as part of the operation, enabling civilians to return to their homes.