Tazeen Akhtar from Islamabad Pakistan
In a remarkable development in the regions of Central Asia, South Caucasus and Anatolia, three countries Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan agreed on shared defense of the homelands and to take joint actions against attempts undermining their sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Ministers, as the Turkic world, expressed their support for just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
The pledge was agreed and made public in the second trilateral meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Trade, Economics, and Transportation of Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan held in Ankara on 29th Jan 2025. The document includes a comprehensive Action Plan aimed at enhancing connectivity and transport collaboration.
The Ankara Declaration, the outcome document of the 2nd trilateral meeting has been adopted and signed by the three countries. In addition to a comprehensive Action Plan aimed at strengthening cooperation in transport and regional connectivity, the Ankara Declaration includes:
– A reaffirmation of the commitment to enhance collaboration on regional and international issues of common interest;
– A pledge to support joint actions against attempts undermining sovereignty and territorial integrity;
– A commitment to fully unlocking the potential in key areas including economy, trade, investment, logistics, infrastructure, digitization, environment, and climate change;
– A call to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the Middle Corridor;
– Support for Azerbaijan’s reconstruction and demining efforts in the liberated regions of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur;
– Recognition of the positive developments in economic, trade, connectivity, and climate action cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States;
– Acknowledgment of Azerbaijan’s chairmanship roles in COP29 and CICA;
– Emphasis on the importance of a unified approach within the OTS regarding the security and development of Afghanistan, which is seen as key to ensuring stability in Central Asia;
– A welcoming of the ceasefire announcement in Gaza, urging its strict implementation, and advocating for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” the post reads.
The meeting focused on infrastructure projects and joint activities related to the Middle Corridor. The Ministers discussed customs practices and the harmonization of regulations. We also evaluated steps to expand the use of electronic services. Additionally, they discussed steps to gradually remove barriers to trade.
The declaration recorded steps to be taken in the areas of trade, investment, logistics, and transit transportation, and that a decision was made to accelerate infrastructure projects. There was an agreement to encourage investments in priority sectors, adding that an action plan, along with a roadmap for future steps, was outlined in the annex to the declaration.
Azerbaijan side : Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mikayil Jabbarov and Minister of Digital Development and Transportation Rashad Nabiyev.
Turkish side : Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat and Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.
Uzbek side : Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov,
During the meeting, opportunities for enhancing cooperation on foreign policy, trade and connectivity issues, as well as promoting the development of the International Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor were discussed.
Turkic States
The ministers being Turkic states discussed the achievements of the Organization of the Turkic States in 2024 and its plans for 2025. Azerbaijan will host this year’s formal summit.
Afghanistan
The Ministers advocated for Afghanistan not to be isolated and for this country to live in peace with its neighbors. That observation by the Ministers is welcomed by Pakistan as the most affected country by cross border terrorist attacks from Afghanistan.
Palestine
Ministers emphasized their support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders, for a permanent solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Syria
The situation in Syria was also discussed during the meeting, saying that the goal is to see a Syria that has fully established its sovereignty, is free from terrorism, and has achieved stability and prosperity.
Joint Press Conference
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan hailed the Middle Corridor as the most reliable, swift, and cost-effective trade route connecting Asia and Europe.
He said that the most reliable, fastest, and economical route between Asia and Europe is the Central Asia-Caspian Sea-South Caucasus-Türkiye corridor. Supply chains in the world have been disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, and the recent developments in the Middle East.
Underlining that the largest trade volume in the world takes place between Asia and Europe, Fidan said: “Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan are at the heart of this route.”
Azerbaijan Foreign Minister said, together we are united in our commitment to deepening the bonds of friendship, cooperation, and shared prosperity between our nations. The potential we hold together is vast, and by working hand in hand, we can unlock incredible opportunities for our people and future generations.
The Ankara Declaration marks a step forward in the strategic cooperation , reinforcing their collective vision for economic integration, regional security, and sustainable development.
Uzbek Foreign Minister said, Ankara Declaration is a significant step in strengthening our friendship and cooperation for the sustainable development of our nations. Through effective diplomacy, dynamic investment cooperation, increased trade, and enhanced connectivity, our three brotherly nations stand to gain not only for ourselves but for the wider regions we represent.
Our discussions were comprehensive, addressing the most pressing issues and outlining concrete steps to overcome challenges while creating the best possible conditions for our countries.
The brotherly atmosphere established between the two leaders creates the strongest foundations for closest cooperation in every sphere. Connected with thousands of years of history, traditions and customs, our nations are closely engaging with each other to build the common prosperous future.
President of Turkiye H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan welcomed the Ministers at the Presidential Palace. Uzbek FM delivered the warmest greetings and the letter of the President of H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Azerbaijan FM expressed deepest gratitude for the excellent organization of the meeting.
