Türkiye, Azerbaijan to stand shoulder to shoulder through thick and thin: FM Fidan
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (R) meets with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Ceyhun Bayramov (L) at the Official Residence of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ankara, Turkiye on August 27, 2024. (AA Photo)
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan Wednesday emphasized the enduring bond between Türkiya and Azerbaijan, describing their relationship as one built on the principle of “one nation, two states.”
Speaking at a joint press conference with his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov, Fidan asserted that the two nations would continue to support each other in both good and bad times.
Shared history, culture
Fidan highlighted the deep-rooted ties between Türkiye and Azerbaijan, underscoring their shared history, culture, language and identity. “Our countries have always operated under the understanding of being one nation with two states. They have shared both joys and sorrows. This will continue, in good times and bad,” Fidan stated.
Referring to the ongoing collaboration between the two countries, Fidan noted that Türkiye stood firmly by Azerbaijan during the more than 30-year occupation of Karabakh and would continue to do so in the future.
He further referenced the Shusha Declaration, signed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on June 15, 2021, which elevated their relations to the level of a strategic alliance.
South Caucasus peace process
During the meeting, Fidan and Bayramov discussed a range of topics, including the peace process in the South Caucasus.
“We once again confirmed our shared desire for permanent peace and stability in the South Caucasus,” Fidan said, adding that they also evaluated the progress in the ongoing peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
The discussions extended to regional and global issues, with a focus on enhancing institutional efforts within the Organization of Turkic States (TDT). Fidan emphasized the importance of regional connectivity, logistics routes, and related development topics during the meeting.
Fidan lastly expressed concern over Israel’s attacks on Gaza, describing the ongoing violence as a “brutal massacre.” He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to working closely with Azerbaijan to strengthen their brotherhood and contribute to regional peace and stability.
