Energy, defence, brotherhood: Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Pakistan map out future at Lachin summit Key messages from President Aliyev

During a high-profile summit attended by President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye, and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, President Aliyev reaffirmed the steadfast commitment of the three nations to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and justice.

“Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Pakistan have always championed sovereignty, territorial integrity, and justice,” President Aliyev declared, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

He expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering political and moral support extended by Türkiye and Pakistan since the outset of Azerbaijan’s 44-day Patriotic War in 2020. “Azerbaijan, in turn, has always stood by Türkiye and Pakistan. Today, we once again reaffirm the unity of our peoples,” he emphasized.

Transforming the regional energy landscape through strategic cooperation

President Aliyev underscored the transformative impact of Azerbaijan and Türkiye’s collaboration on the regional and wider energy map.

“As a result of the cooperation between Azerbaijan and Türkiye, the energy map of not only our region but also the wider geography has changed,” he stated during the summit.

He elaborated on the pivotal role the countries have played in ensuring energy security and fostering alternative energy initiatives. “Our countries have played an important role in energy security, and today, extensive projects have been launched in the direction of alternative energy production and export. Moreover, transport routes via Azerbaijan and Türkiye, which connect Asia and Europe, have strategic importance,” Aliyev said.

Military cooperation strengthening peace and stability

Highlighting defence as a cornerstone of the trilateral partnership, President Aliyev noted the advancement of joint military exercises and military-technical cooperation that have bolstered the armed forces of the allied nations.

“Defence cooperation is one of the major directions of our partnership. Joint military exercises and projects in the military-technical field have strengthened our armed forces’ capabilities,” he remarked.

“Our military cooperation reinforces peace and stability in the wider geography,” the Azerbaijani president added.

Azerbaijan’s solidarity with Türkiye and Pakistan on counterterrorism

President Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan’s unwavering support for its brotherly neighbors Türkiye and Pakistan. “Azerbaijan has always stood by brotherly Türkiye and Pakistan,” he affirmed during the summit.

He praised Türkiye’s successes in combating terrorism, particularly commending the dissolution and disarmament of the PKK terrorist group. “The decision of the PKK terrorist group to liquidate itself and disarm is an example of the leadership and determination of the President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the strength of Türkiye as a country,” Aliyev said. He described this historic development as crucial not only for Türkiye but also for peace and tranquility across the entire region.

By Vafa Guliyeva