Foreign

Interview of Birol Akgün, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Türkiye to Azerbaijan with APA

- What are your main priorities regarding Türkiye-Azerbaijan relations?

- Türkiye and Azerbaijan relations are at the highest, most perfect level in recent history. The foundation of these relations is our brotherhood, our being two members of a nation from the Turkic-Oghuz tribe, speaking the same language. The words of the National Leader, Heydar Aliyev, “One nation, two states,” are actually an expression of a truth. Our founding leader, Atatürk, also said back in the 1920s that “Azerbaijan is our brother, its sorrow is our sorrow, its joy is our joy.”

Finally, in the last 35 years since Azerbaijan gained independence, both countries have always been by each other’s side and helped each other at all critical moments.

Türkiye was by Azerbaijan’s side both politically and morally in the Second Karabakh War, where the Azerbaijani Army showed great heroism, and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Ilham Aliyev stood in solidarity. Our leaders acted together in all subsequent processes. The Turkish people are also well aware of the support shown by our Azerbaijani brothers at both the state and public levels during the devastating earthquake in Türkiye on February 6, 2023. At the opening of the “Azerbaijani Neighborhood” in Kahramanmaraş with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev, our people had both Azerbaijani and Turkish flags in their hands. Everyone witnessed how sincerely our people welcomed the President of Azerbaijan in Kahramanmaraş.

Azerbaijan is our most reliable, most stable, and only neighbor with whom we have no problems

Türkiye and Azerbaijan also share the same geography. Türkiye has eight neighboring countries, and one of them is Azerbaijan, with which we share a border through Nakhchivan. Azerbaijan is our only neighbor with whom we have no problems — a country that is the most reliable, the most stable, and one with which we can act together on the international stage. Beyond our historical and cultural ties, our geopolitical interests in the region compel us to act jointly. The international system is undergoing a period of reorganization and revival. Traditional global powers are weakening in the face of globalization. It is no longer feasible to view or solve regional issues from London or Washington — we now understand that regional problems must be addressed by regional leaders. The resolution of the Karabakh issue is a prime example of this. Today, if countries act together with Türkiye on matters such as the opening of the Zangezur Corridor or resolving problems in Syria, they are more likely to achieve real results.

In the near future, our most important goal in relations between Türkiye and Azerbaijan is to accelerate the integration process into the Organization of Turkic States, expand trade and economic relations, sign a lasting peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and open regional communications. On the other hand, investing in the creation of infrastructure and airports in the liberated territories, and carrying out activities related to the recovery and reconstruction process that will ensure the return of former residents to those territories are the main strategic goals.

The restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity is our most strategic gain

- Today, the main task for Azerbaijan is the restoration of the liberated territories, the return of people to their homelands. What impressions did you return with from your visits to the liberated territories?

– Azerbaijan’s restoration of its territorial integrity is the most strategic gain and the thing that brings us the greatest joy. For our generation, over the past 30 years — since our student days — the occupation of Azerbaijani lands and the displacement of our brothers and sisters remained like a wound. Today, everyone living in Türkiye is pleased with the liberation of Karabakh, and we commemorate this every year. Secondly, the restoration, reconstruction, and revitalization of those lands require special effort. On every visit to those territories, we observe, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the significant work being carried out for Karabakh’s recovery. Each time we go, we see new roads and tunnels, newly built and inaugurated airports, and major infrastructure projects. For instance, the Lachin International Airport was opened on May 28 with the participation of the leaders of Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Pakistan — a historic moment. This airport carries strong symbolic meaning. Because just as it is important that these territories are under Azerbaijan’s control, it is equally important that they are being developed and revived. The Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization held in Khankendi was also among such historic events. When I visited Khankendi three or four months ago, I saw old buildings; but on my latest visit, I saw newly constructed buildings and modern infrastructure. Roads have been renewed, a congress center has been built, a university has been established, jobs have been created — Khankendi is gaining the appearance of a modern city. In Shusha, historical mosques have been restored. In Aghdam, the establishment of industrial enterprises has begun. There has been remarkable progress in agriculture as well. Each time I visit those lands, I see a Karabakh where culture and normal life are being rebuilt.

Karabakh will be one of the most important centers of the region with its tourism, economy, agriculture, and industry

- Turkish companies are actively participating in infrastructure and other projects in the liberated territories. What other new projects are planned to be implemented by Turkish companies in the liberated territories?

- As a diplomat, our participation in the reconstruction of the liberated territories makes me proud. The vast majority of companies that built large tunnels, roads, and assisted in the construction of airports in Karabakh are Turkish companies. Karabakh will be one of the most important centers of the region with its tourism, economy, agriculture, and industry. Looking at the work done today, we believe that this will become a reality in 10 years.

Türkiye is ready to open a consulate in Shusha or any city in Karabakh upon Azerbaijan's decision

– When is Türkiye expected to open a consulate in Shusha?

– Shusha is a very important cultural center for us and holds symbolic significance, especially from the perspective of the Turkic world. On March 31, 2022, during the meeting of the Permanent Council of Ministers of Culture of TURKSOY member states held in Bursa, Türkiye, the city of Shusha was declared the “Cultural Capital of the Turkic World” for 2023. Shusha has also been named the “Tourism Capital” of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) for 2026.

We had an application in 2021 regarding the opening of a Turkish consulate in Shusha. However, no country has a consulate in Shusha yet. This is a decision that Azerbaijan will make within the framework of its sovereign rights. We are ready to open a consulate in Shusha or in any city in Karabakh upon the decision of Azerbaijan.

“Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Mutual Military Security”

Immediately after the Second Karabakh War, on June 15, 2021, the Shusha Declaration was signed. I was part of the delegation during that visit and was one of the witnesses to the political atmosphere and the manner in which the declaration was signed. For the first time, Azerbaijan and Türkiye signed a document pledging mutual commitment to each other’s security, assuming reciprocal obligations in this regard. The parliaments of both countries have ratified the Declaration. Just last week, as a continuation of the Shusha Declaration, the defense ministers of Türkiye and Azerbaijan signed a "Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Mutual Military Security" during the IDEF-2025 exhibition in Istanbul, further concretizing cooperation in this area.

– What prompted the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding?

– The signing of the "Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Mutual Military Security" is a historic event. It is a highly strategic document, particularly in that it safeguards the independence and security of both countries in relation to third parties.

- Are joint military exercises of the Azerbaijani and Turkish armies planned by the end of this year, including with the armies of other friendly states?

- The organization of joint exercises, cooperation in strengthening defense capabilities has become a daily routine. Joint exercises are especially important in terms of the modernization of military forces and the coordination of cooperation in sensitive situations. But the most important thing here is political will. The strong, determined leadership of the presidents of both countries - Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Ilham Aliyev - creates the foundation for our cooperation in all areas. If there is a political decision, opportunities and resources are also found.

The Zangezur Corridor should be viewed not only from the East and West, but also from the North and South perspectives

- As stated in the Shusha Declaration, the opening of the Zangezur corridor between the Western regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the construction of the Nakhchivan-Kars railway as a continuation of this corridor would make a significant contribution to the intensification of transport and communication relations between the two countries. In this regard, how do you assess the fact that Armenia has not yet expressed a constructive position on this issue? As a diplomat, do you consider it possible for the Zangezur Corridor to open in the coming years?

- I consider the timely and appropriate opening of the Zangezur Corridor highly likely. The corridor does not only serve the national interests of Türkiye and Azerbaijan. If integration processes at international and regional levels accelerate, the faster and shorter passage of overland routes and railways stretching from China to London, as well as major oil and gas pipelines along the Middle Corridor, will only be possible with the opening of the Zangezur Corridor. The Zangezur Corridor should be viewed not only from East-West perspectives but also from North-South. Following the Second Karabakh War, during meetings between Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the 3+3 format was consistently discussed. This format includes not only Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia, but also Türkiye, Iran, and Russia to seek a solution that meets everyone’s interests. Although there are occasional discussions now, I believe that with the realization of a possible permanent peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the Zangezur Corridor will open within the next one to two years. I especially believe and anticipate this in terms of enhancing the effectiveness of the Middle Corridor and increasing trade volumes along the East-West axis. However, as a diplomat, I cannot specify the exact date for the opening of the Zangezur Corridor because it is a complex, multi-actor process. First and foremost, the two independent states — Azerbaijan and Armenia — must decide on this themselves. As the clear victor of the war, Azerbaijan rightfully demands the opening of this corridor, as was expressed in the 2020 agreement. Still, the timing and conditions depend on the mutual agreement of both countries as sovereign states. As Türkiye, we support the opening of this corridor and the signing of a permanent peace agreement in the interest of regional peace and stability. Normalization between Azerbaijan and Armenia will end the more than 30 years of tension in the region and facilitate the opening of the corridor passing through the Turkic world. This aligns with our national interests and benefits everyone involved. Therefore, we fully support it.

Türkiye-Armenia normalization process

- Parallel to the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the normalization process between Türkiye and Armenia is also underway. At what stage is this process? Is the Zangezur Corridor also in the discussions?

- In fact, this process should be viewed as a whole; the two normalization processes are being conducted in parallel. Special representatives were appointed in 2022 regarding the Türkiye-Armenia normalization process. It is known that Türkiye's border with Armenia has been closed since 1993 due to the occupation of Azerbaijani territories. Armenia is a landlocked country, and the Armenian people suffer the most from this situation. Armenia borders Azerbaijan and Türkiye to the east and west, and these borders are closed. Everyone will gain from this peace, but Armenia will benefit the most. We want the normalization process to accelerate. If a lasting peace agreement is signed or initialed, and the conditions regarding the Zangezur Corridor are met, the Turkish-Armenian border may also be opened at the appropriate time as a result of consultations between Ankara and Baku. This will depend on how the normalization process develops.

- What strategic opportunities can the Zangezur Corridor create for the Organization of Turkic States?

- From a geopolitical perspective, the Zangezur Corridor is the place where the relations of the Turkic states are cut off. We can only establish contact with Azerbaijan through Georgia and Iran. If the Zangezur Corridor is opened, it is the dream of our people to travel by land and rail from Ankara and Istanbul to Baku, and from there by sea to the countries of Central Asia within 1-2 years. Of course, Iran is also our friend, brotherly country, and Georgia is also our friendly country. Both countries have good relations with Azerbaijan and Türkiye. But why shouldn't we use direct land and rail connections from our lands?! This is especially important in terms of increasing trade turnover, expanding the capabilities of the Middle Corridor, and increasing the importance of the Organization of Turkic States on a global scale.

The Turkic world needs a corridor through which it can make direct passage, and this is the Zangezur Corridor. For the first time since 1937, Türkiye will be directly connected to Azerbaijan and the Turkic world.

Azerbaijan’s Victory also inspired courage for unity and integration within the Turkic world.

- How do you evaluate Azerbaijan's efforts aimed at the unity and development of the Turkic world?

- Azerbaijan has always been one of the most important links in the Turkic world. Among the peoples who never lost the vision of a common future or the dream of Turkic unity—even during the Soviet era—were the Azerbaijani people. This dream was always kept alive by Azerbaijani intellectuals, poets, thinkers, and writers even in the 1960s and 1970s, and keeping this topic on the agenda in Azerbaijan led to the formation of this thought both in Türkiye and in Central Asian countries after 1990, that is, during the period of independence. Especially since 2020, following the liberation of Karabakh, President Ilham Aliyev’s words — “Our family is the Turkic world” — reflect shared ideals that have transformed this dream into concrete projects. In June 2021, the Shusha Declaration was signed, and on November 12 of the same year, during the summit held in Istanbul, the name of the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States was changed to the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). At that point, the vision for the OTS moved into the implementation phase. If you ask why not earlier, but precisely at that time, I believe it was the result of the Karabakh Victory. In this sense, Azerbaijan’s victory also inspired courage for unity and integration within the Turkic world. I believe that the firm stance of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Ilham Aliyev on this matter played a key role in encouraging others as well.

The impact of Türkiye-Azerbaijan relations on the Middle East

- How prepared are Türkiye and Azerbaijan to jointly respond to new global and regional challenges? What further steps should they take together?

- The world is going through a transitional period in globalization; the systems established since the 1945s are now being questioned. In the next 10 years, a new world order is expected to emerge. Scholars, experts, and politicians note that we are transitioning from a unipolar world to a multipolar or multi-centered world. As a scholar myself, these are issues we have discussed for years. Yet, no one knows exactly where we are headed. In a historical context where the future is uncertain and the past is no longer reliable, the only thing we can do to safeguard our nations' independence, ensure our states’ future and development, and improve our prosperity is to act in solidarity with our closest friends. Only by doing so can we minimize the impact of the current global chaos and strengthen the economic, cultural, political, and strategic resilience of our states and nations. No country can achieve this better than Türkiye and Azerbaijan as two neighboring and brotherly nations. That’s why close ties between our leaders and public support for joint projects are extremely important. If we succeed in this, rest assured that we will make even greater contributions to stability, peace, development, and prosperity in our regions. Strengthening this friendship and brotherhood between Türkiye and Azerbaijan in every aspect is our top priority. If we become stronger, it will inspire and give hope to our other brothers in Central Asia as well. On the other hand, the influence of Türkiye-Azerbaijan relations will be felt even in the Middle East, along the stretch from Syria to Iraq. For example, this week, the transfer of Azerbaijani natural gas to Syria via Türkiye will begin. Such concrete cooperation will boost the power of our countries on the international stage.

- How do you evaluate Azerbaijan's efforts and initiatives aimed at resolving conflicts in the Middle East? For instance, a meeting was held in Baku to develop a mechanism to prevent a potential military confrontation between Türkiye and Israel in Syria — Azerbaijan served as the venue for the Israel-Syria talks...

- Türkiye and Azerbaijan support each other in every sense — both in good times and difficult ones. A new government has been formed in Syria. It is extremely important for this government to be permanent, stable, and capable of protecting Syria from external interventions. Türkiye is closely monitoring the situation, especially in cooperation with Western countries, including the U.S. That said, we highly appreciate the involvement of a brotherly country like Azerbaijan in cooperating with us and other neighboring states on certain critical issues.

During the meetings held in Azerbaijan, important and strategic discussions took place. This should be seen as a highly constructive political step and a form of political cooperation. In this sense, we view the future of Azerbaijan and Türkiye, as well as security in both the Middle East and the South Caucasus, as unified and interconnected.

- When is the next meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Türkiye expected to take place? What key issues will be on the agenda?

- The exact date has not been finalized yet, but the next meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council is planned to be held in Baku in the final months of this year, most likely in December. However, this depends on the schedules of our heads of state and the relevant institutions managing the process.

Difficulties in establishing mechanisms for the free movement of goods between Azerbaijan and Türkiye

- What steps are being taken toward establishing mechanisms for the free movement of goods between Azerbaijan and Türkiye? What further actions are planned in the near future?

- The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Türkiye currently stands at around 6.5 to 7 billion USD. While this is a positive number, it is not sufficient. Our presidents have agreed to increase this figure to 15 billion USD. However, this requires additional steps and efforts to overcome certain challenges. The opening of the Middle Corridor could accelerate this process by reducing transportation costs, which is extremely important for us in the medium term. From a broader perspective, Azerbaijan has customs agreements with the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), including Russia, while Türkiye has customs cooperation agreements with the European Union. This creates difficulties in establishing direct mechanisms for the free movement of goods between Türkiye and Azerbaijan. That’s why we are working to increase trade turnover and product circulation through a preferential trade agreement. Work is ongoing to expand the list of goods under this agreement — the number of items has already increased from 30 to 81, but there is a clear need to further broaden the list of goods covered by the preferential trade regime. This may require additional steps between our governments and could involve other diplomatic aspects as well. Still, I have no doubt that this will eventually happen. Even without a full-fledged free trade agreement, it is necessary to expand the number of goods covered by the preferential trade regime. If the Zangezur Corridor opens, we could manufacture goods produced in Türkiye also in Azerbaijan and jointly export them to Central Asia. I believe we are facing vast opportunities and enormous potential. Of course, such radical and ambitious steps cannot be taken without challenges. However, our future is bright, and we can achieve this by working together. We must continue to support each other and protect this brotherhood and friendship in every sphere.

Azerbaijan has a very strong media sector

– By the way, a Joint Media Platform between Azerbaijan and Türkiye has been established. The Shusha Declaration set out key goals such as jointly combating disinformation on the international stage, properly informing the global public, and implementing joint projects in television and cinema. What has been done in this direction?

– If you're thinking about large-scale cooperation and integration, you need to ensure the support of the public in the region. For this reason, efforts must be made to help media professionals, academics, and cultural experts better understand the essence of these ties. I am grateful to the Azerbaijani press in this regard. You have an extremely vibrant and dynamic media landscape. This year, you are celebrating your 150th anniversary. Through you, I would like to congratulate Azerbaijani media on its 150th anniversary, which began with the newspaper “Akinchi” founded by Hasan bey Zardabi, and emphasize that Azerbaijan has a very strong media sector.

The importance of media and media cooperation became especially clear during the Second Karabakh War, after which the Azerbaijan–Türkiye Joint Media Platform was established. Each year, cooperation continues within the framework of various programs. However, I believe there is a need for specific efforts to implement exchange programs in this field and to train journalists in Azerbaijan who deeply understand Türkiye’s history, sensitivities, and culture — and likewise in Türkiye for Azerbaijan.

Currently, nearly 40,000 Azerbaijani and 5,000 Turkish students study in Türkiye and Azerbaijan, respectively

– What are your recommendations for enhancing cooperation in the field of education between Azerbaijan and Türkiye?

– Before being appointed as ambassador to Azerbaijan, I was the head of the Maarif Foundation, which works with internationally oriented schools in Türkiye. Education is a strategic field. Since the 1990s, a large number of our citizens have come from Türkiye to study in Azerbaijan. Likewise, tens of thousands of our Azerbaijani brothers and sisters have gone to study in Türkiye. Today, we see them active in every field of life in Azerbaijan — from media outlets to hospitals.

Currently, nearly 40,000 Azerbaijani students are studying in Turkish universities. Additionally, about 5,000 Turkish students are studying in Azerbaijan. Türkiye also has private schools operating in Baku. A new Türkiye-Azerbaijan University has been established, and last year it admitted its first class of around 90 students. Special focus has been placed on engineering programs to ensure our people gain the necessary technical skills.

Increased interaction among intellectuals, scientists, academics, cultural figures, and media professionals will allow us to understand each other even better. Our long-term cooperation will continue not only bilaterally but also within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States and at the international level. That’s why activities in education, media, and culture should be supported.

– Thank you very much for the interview, Mr. Ambassador.

– Thank you for giving me this opportunity.

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