Azerbaijan, Turkish top diplomats discuss bilateral relations, regional security

On August 27, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a joint press conference in Ankara to discuss a range of topics, including political, defence, economic, energy, transport, communication, and humanitarian aspects of their allied relations. 

According to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, the ministers also addressed regional and international security issues, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The ministers highlighted the significance of the existing political dialogue, mutual visits, and contacts between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Türkiye in fostering a strategic alliance based on brotherly and friendly relations.

The ministers expressed satisfaction with the progress of cooperation, particularly noting the positive impact of the historic Shusha Declaration, which has strengthened the Azerbaijani-Turkish alliance and enhanced collaboration across multiple sectors.

Bayramov and Fidan emphasized the importance of educational cooperation, referencing the recent enrollment of students at the Turkish-Azerbaijani University, which was initiated by the leaders of both countries.

It was noted that the admission of students with high scores indicates a great interest in the university and will create additional incentives for increased cooperation in the field of education.

The two ministers also discussed ongoing cooperation within various multilateral frameworks, including the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the Organisation of Turkic States, and the Economic Cooperation Organisation.

Bayramov underscored Azerbaijan’s commitment to strengthening ties with the member countries of the Organisation of Turkic States, which he referred to as "part of its family." He further noted that trilateral and quadripartite cooperation formats are making significant contributions to regional stability and security.

Bayramov briefed Fidan on Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) and provided an update on the post-conflict situation in the region, highlighting threats to regional peace and the normalization agenda.

The Azerbaijani minister pointed out that ongoing claims to the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and Türkiye, as outlined in Armenia's constitution and other legislative acts, as well as Armenia's policy of militarization, are major obstacles to the peace process.

The ministers also discussed the reconstruction efforts in the Karabakh region, acknowledging Türkiye's active participation in these efforts following the 44-day Patriotic War. They exchanged views on other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.

Fidan expressed satisfaction with the current level of economic relations between the two countries and mentioned the discussions on regional and global issues.

“We shared with each other some opinions on what more can be done to strengthen the institutional work of the Organisation of Turkic States,” Fidan said.

Commenting on the progress of the Igdir-Nakhchivan gas pipeline, Bayramov stated, "The construction of the Igdir-Nakhchivan gas pipeline will be completed soon. The energy projects of the two countries are changing the energy map of the entire Eurasian region."

The discussion also covered the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Fidan affirmed that Azerbaijan and Türkiye would continue to take joint steps to establish peace in the region, expressing concern over Armenia's rapid rearmament, which he attributed to external influences.

"We consider this policy erroneous and it should be seen as an additional source of threat to the region," Fidan emphasized.

He assured that Azerbaijan and Türkiye would maintain coordinated efforts and a unified stance on these issues, stating, "Our position is united. It is mutual support, strategic partnership, and allied relations. This will continue in the international arena as well. We believe that this policy of our countries will bring peace, prosperity, and stability to the region."