Türkiye’s intelligence chief highlights the importance of Armenia-Azerbaijan peace

The head of Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization (MIT), Ibrahim Kalin, emphasized that a final peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan is crucial for stability and development in the Caucasus region.

Speaking at the Baku Security Conference held on September 14-15, Kalin underlined that permanent peace would facilitate the opening of the Zangezur Corridor, establishing vital connections between Azerbaijan, Armenia, Nakhchivan, Türkiye, and Europe.

Global security challenges discussed at Baku Conference

The conference, themed “Modern Challenges to the Security of Global Transport Routes,” brought together intelligence and security chiefs from approximately 50 countries. According to security sources, Kalin held bilateral meetings with several of his counterparts, addressing current global and regional developments.

In his speech, Kalin touched on the global security crises, the rising threat of terrorism, and the humanitarian consequences these crises bring. He pointed to Azerbaijan’s successful steps in normalizing life in Karabakh following the 44-day war, which ended the region’s occupation, reiterating that a peace deal with Armenia is essential for regional stability.

Zangezur corridor and global crises

Kalin highlighted that a peace agreement would not only contribute to regional stability but also enable the establishment of the Zangezur Corridor, strengthening connections between Azerbaijan, Armenia, Nakhchivan, Türkiye, and Europe. He also noted that the rapidly changing global landscape, particularly with the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, has led to new global crises.

Kalin stated, “The Russia-Ukraine war needs to be resolved with the establishment of a new security architecture grounded in international law,” emphasizing the need for immediate ceasefires to halt the ongoing war in Gaza, which has claimed over 40,000 Palestinian lives.

He further stressed that a two-state solution, ending Israeli occupation, is the only way to achieve lasting peace in the region.

Türkiye’s continued diplomatic efforts

Kalin reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to continuing its multifaceted intelligence diplomacy efforts, both openly and behind the scenes, to bring an end to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.

He also emphasized the global threat of terrorism, stressing the need for joint efforts in combating terror organizations such as ISIS, Al-Qaeda, ISKP, Al-Shabaab, JNIM, PKK, and FETO. Kalin noted, “Terrorist organizations cannot be differentiated, and no one will be safe until everyone is safe.”