Ankara, January 9, 2025 – The Europe Today: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has reiterated his commitment to fostering lasting peace in the South Caucasus during a phone call with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on Wednesday.
The two leaders discussed a range of topics, including bilateral relations, regional stability, and global issues. Erdogan emphasized that Türkiye and Azerbaijan would continue to strengthen their cooperation under the principle of “two states, one nation,” reflecting the deep ties between the two countries.
The South Caucasus region has long been a focal point of geopolitical tensions. Hostilities date back to 1991, when Armenian forces occupied Karabakh and seven surrounding districts, despite the territory being internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan.
In 2020, Azerbaijan reclaimed most of the occupied territory during a six-week war, which concluded with a Russian-brokered ceasefire. This agreement facilitated ongoing normalization and border demarcation discussions between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
In September 2023, Azerbaijan further solidified its sovereignty over Karabakh following an “anti-terrorist operation” that led to the surrender of separatist forces.
President Erdogan’s remarks highlight Türkiye’s unwavering support for Azerbaijan’s efforts in ensuring stability and prosperity in the region, while underscoring the importance of continued dialogue to achieve comprehensive peace.
