Cooperation in the Middle Corridor: Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan sign the Ankara Declaration

The Foreign, Trade, and Transport Ministers of Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan met at the Trilateral Mechanism Meeting held in Ankara. Following the meeting, the parties signed the Ankara Declaration, which includes steps to strengthen cooperation. 

In the declaration, the parties reaffirmed their support for each other's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of their international borders.

In his statement after the meeting, Fidan drew attention to global issues such as the energy crisis, irregular migration, terrorism, and extremism. Fidan emphasized the importance of solidarity within the Turkic world in this challenging geopolitical environment. 

Furthermore, stating that a large portion of trade between Asia and Europe takes place via the Central Asia, Caspian Sea, South Caucasus, and Turkey route, Fidan noted the following:

''We discussed infrastructure projects for the Middle Corridor and the harmonization of customs procedures. We reached an agreement on taking steps to remove barriers to trade.''

The Foreign Minister expressed that the Turkic world supports a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, while stating that Afghanistan should not be isolated. Noting that an independent Palestinian state based on 1967 borders must be established for the resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict, Fidan stated that the international community must take responsibility for the reconstruction of Syria.

Fidan underlined that the agreement is important not only in the economic sphere but also in the context of security and regional relations

JOINT STANCE AGAINST ARMENIA

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov reported that it is concerning that Armenia continues to have territorial claims against Azerbaijan in its Constitution. 

Touching upon the importance of completing the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, Bayramov said, 'Azerbaijan will continue its constructive efforts in this regard.' The Azerbaijani Minister also thanked Turkey and Uzbekistan for their roles in the reconstruction of Karabakh and East Zangezur.

Uzbekistan's Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov emphasized that relations between the three countries have achieved historic development, stating the following:

'Our comprehensive strategic partnership with Turkey is deepening. Our relations with Azerbaijan have reached the level of alliance. This trilateral cooperation offers new opportunities for our strategic interests.'

The Azerbaijani and Uzbek delegations attending the meeting also met with AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to discuss bilateral relations and regional issues.

The Ankara Declaration emphasized the importance of the mine clearance and reconstruction efforts carried out by Azerbaijan in the Karabakh and East Zangezur regions. Minister Bayramov said that he appreciates the contributions of Turkey and Uzbekistan to the development works in these regions.