First Azerbaijani-Turkish Think Tanks Forum wraps up in Shusha PHOTO / UPDATED

The First Azerbaijani-Turkish Think Tanks Forum has concluded in Shusha, Azerbaijan. 

The forum, which was organised by the Center for Analysis of International Relations (AIR). brought together leaders of leading analytical institutions from both countries, experts, and members of the academic community, per Azertag.

The event began with a moment of silence in honour of the martyrs.

Speeches were delivered by Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Board of CAIR, and Polat Safi, Chairman of the Center for Strategic Studies at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Both emphasized the importance of further strengthening the Azerbaijani-Turkish strategic alliance amid the new geopolitical realities in the region. Speakers also noted that cooperation between think tanks aims to enhance analytical support for the foreign policies of both countries.

The forum featured three panel sessions.

The first session focused on key trends in the foreign policies of Azerbaijan and Turkey, the evolving security architecture in the Caucasus region, and opportunities for diplomatic interaction between the two countries.

The second session addressed prospects for integration within the Organization of Turkic States, expanding economic and transport cooperation, and the development of unified analytical approaches.

The third session discussed the strategic importance of transport, communications, and energy cooperation, the development of the Zangezur Corridor and the Middle Corridor, and new directions in the energy diplomacy of Azerbaijan and Türkiye.

The forum highlighted the close alignment of think tanks from both countries. Experts noted that analytical institutions in Azerbaijan and Türkiye share regional priorities and similar strategic approaches to foreign policy, security, energy, and transport issues.

The participants emphasised that the research agendas of the two countries’ think tanks largely overlap, and this collaboration allows for deeper analysis of regional processes. The establishment of this platform is considered highly significant for the region. Azerbaijani-Turkish intellectual cooperation creates new synergies for regional stability and security, helps develop common strategic approaches within the Organization of Turkic States, and strengthens a model of peace and development in the South Caucasus.

The event concluded with discussions on expanding scientific and analytical cooperation between think tanks, implementing joint research projects, preparing shared strategic reports, and holding regular forums.

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Center for Analysis of International Relations (AIR) Chairman Farid Shafiyev highlighted that Azerbaijan and Türkiye have built exemplary military-political collaboration, as the First Azerbaijani-Turkish Think Tanks Forum kicks off in Shusha.

Farid Shafiyev noted that the regional political landscape has changed radically, adding that there are a number of areas in which Azerbaijan and Türkiye should closely cooperate,Caliber.Az reports per local media.

“At this stage, we must work as hard as possible to ensure that the fundamental elements of our policies are aligned. The process of normalizing the situation in the South Caucasus and with Armenia is ongoing. Representatives of Armenian civil society recently visited Azerbaijan. Now, Armenia is talking about peace, but behind this lies Azerbaijan's victory. Without this victory, they would not be talking about peace. In 2019, the Armenian leader said: 'Karabakh is Armenia.' All this must not be forgotten,” the chairman said.

Shafiyev also pointed to Western pressure: “The first issue is related to the Zangazur Corridor, and the second is related to the Turkic world. There is also pressure from various geopolitical powers on Central Asia. If we act in a coordinated manner, we can achieve our goals. The third issue is the Middle East. Azerbaijan is working with Türkiye on matters related to Syria, Gaza, and Israel. Some forces are deliberately spreading false information against us. However, Azerbaijan is trying to provide these regions with as much assistance as possible. There are forces that are engaged in organized sabotage through the media. We must be careful with the information they disseminate.”

He added that the Shusha Forum is planned to become a permanent platform for discussing key strategic issues.

The First Shusha Forum of Azerbaijani-Turkish Think Tanks brings together leaders and researchers from leading analytical centres in both countries to discuss cooperation prospects in regional security, foreign policy, economic integration, transport, communications, and energy.

By Jeyhun Aghazada