Iğdır-Nakhchivan gas pipeline inauguration makes headlines across Türkiye

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's visit to Türkiye and his participation in the inauguration of the Iğdır-Nakhchivan gas pipeline alongside President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have received widespread media coverage in Türkiye.

The coverage underscores the strengthening bond between the two brotherly nations, with news outlets and analysts emphasizing their deep-rooted partnership as an exemplary model for international cooperation, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

An article published by the Anadolu News Agency highlights the numerous successful projects that Azerbaijan and Türkiye have executed together, such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline, the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP), and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway.

These strategic initiatives are crucial not only for the region but for all of Europe, contributing to the economic growth of the nations involved and fostering regional security. The projects also tackle social issues affecting the populations of both countries.

The Ankara Haber website notes that the deepening relationship between Azerbaijan and Türkiye will pave the way for even larger and more ambitious projects in the future. The Azerbaijani gas flowing through Türkiye has become a vital resource for addressing Europe's energy security needs. Additionally, Nakhchivan, a region separated from the rest of Azerbaijan, is seen by Türkiye as a “gateway” to not just Azerbaijan, but also the Turkic states of Central Asia. Therefore, ensuring a reliable energy supply to Nakhchivan has become a critical objective for Türkiye.

The Vatan newspaper highlights that Türkiye has consistently supported Azerbaijan, particularly emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic as part of Azerbaijan. The Iğdır-Nakhchivan gas pipeline, an important energy cooperation project, further demonstrates the growing collaboration between the two countries in the energy sector.

A report by Haber Global recalls that the first bridge between the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic and Türkiye’s Iğdır province was inaugurated in 1992, thanks to the initiative of Azerbaijani national leader Heydar Aliyev. This bridge played a key role in revitalizing Nakhchivan's social and economic ties with Türkiye, especially during its period of blockade. Today, Azerbaijan stands as a leading force in ensuring Europe’s energy security, with Türkiye continuing to support its brotherly nation in this critical area. 

Ekonomi newspaper reports that the Iğdır-Nakhchivan gas pipeline, stretching 97.5 kilometres, will transport 500 million cubic meters of gas annually, ensuring that Nakhchivan, isolated from mainland Azerbaijan, will no longer face energy shortages. In assessing the significance of the Iğdır-Nakhchivan pipeline project,

Türkiyə newspaper points out that each time President Ilham Aliyev visits Türkiye, it marks a pivotal moment in the development of bilateral relations. Both countries have always held a unified position on regional and international matters.

Various Turkish media outlets, including gazete oksijen, haberler.com, cgtnturk.com, and Yeni Gunaydın, also highlight the friendly and brotherly ties between Türkiye and Azerbaijan in their coverage of the event.

By Naila Huseynova