Azerbaijani FM highlights broad opportunities for Azerbaijan-Türkiye-Uzbekistan partnership Speaking at Ankara meeting

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov addressed the 2nd trilateral meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Economy/Trade, and Transport of Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan, held in Ankara.

According to Caliber.Az, citing a publication by the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry on social network X, Bayramov underscored the multifaceted nature of trilateral cooperation among the three nations. He highlighted the broad scope for expanding ties in various sectors, including security, economy, trade, investment, transport, and communications.

In his speech, Bayramov emphasized the additional opportunities for strengthening cooperation through the development of the Middle Corridor — a vital trade and transport route linking Asia with Europe. He stressed the importance of leveraging existing potential to foster peace, security, and regional development, extending to areas such as the Middle East and Afghanistan.

The second meeting of the Türkiye-Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan trilateral mechanism officially commenced in Ankara on January 29, bringing together senior officials from the three countries.

Participants include foreign ministers, as well as ministers responsible for trade, economy, and transport, who are engaged in comprehensive discussions aimed at deepening bilateral and regional cooperation.

Hosting the meeting, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan delivered the opening remarks.

Key topics on the agenda include enhancing foreign policy coordination, strengthening trade and economic ties, and increasing investment opportunities. Special attention is also being given to improving regional transport connectivity and advancing collaboration in the transport and communications sectors.

During the meeting, Turkish Trade Minister Ömer Bolat highlighted the growing economic, trade, and investment ties between Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan in recent years. He stressed that the deep-rooted brotherly relations between the three nations should be reflected in stronger trade and economic cooperation, ultimately benefiting their people.

Bolat pointed out that global trade and transport dynamics are evolving rapidly, reaffirming the strategic significance of the region. He emphasized that regional transport routes, including the Middle and Zangezur corridors, would contribute to the economic development of the three countries while further integrating Asia and Europe.

“The Ankara Declaration, which we intend to sign following today’s meeting, will support the development of these projects and deepen trade and economic ties between Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan. Ankara, in turn, remains committed to fulfilling all obligations under the agreements,” Bolat stated.

Additionally, Bolat announced that alongside the trilateral ministerial meeting, a trade and investment business forum was launched in Ankara, bringing together entrepreneurs from the three countries. This platform is expected to foster further trade cooperation and economic collaboration.

Following the discussions, the parties are set to sign the Ankara Declaration and adopt a joint Action Plan for future cooperation. A roadmap for implementing this Action Plan will also be established.

By Tamilla Hasanova