Shusha Declaration between Azerbaijan, Türkiye marks fifth anniversary

The Shusha Declaration—one of the key political documents underpinning the alliance between Azerbaijan and Türkiye—marks its fifth anniversary on June 15.

The declaration was signed on June 15, 2021, in the city of Shusha, the cultural capital of Azerbaijan, by President Ilham Aliyev and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The document represents not only the political will of the two states but also a strategic roadmap aimed at ensuring peace, security, and long-term regional cooperation.

Formally titled the Declaration on Allied Relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Türkiye, the document covers a broad range of areas, including political dialogue, defence and security, economic cooperation, energy, transport, humanitarian ties, media, and information policy. Its core objective is not limited to sectoral cooperation but seeks to align the strategic interests of both countries within a unified framework.

A key aspect of the declaration is the elevation of security cooperation to a new level. It also holds significant importance from an economic and geo-economic perspective, building on long-standing energy and transport projects between Baku and Ankara that have influenced not only the region but also a wider geographical area.

In addition, the document outlines expanded cooperation in education, science, culture, youth policy, media, and diaspora engagement.

Over the five years since its signing, the provisions of the Shusha Declaration have been reflected in concrete outcomes, including closer cooperation in the defence industry, intensified joint military exercises, the development of energy and transport projects, coordinated actions within international organizations, and mutual political support.

The Shusha Declaration remains a foundational legal framework for Azerbaijan–Türkiye relations and is considered one of the key pillars shaping a new regional environment of cooperation, stability, and development.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov