Tokyo, 15 June, /AJMEDIA/
June 15, 2021, went down in the history of Azerbaijan as a significant event and a date of special importance. On that day, for the first time in the history of modern Azerbaijan, the head of state welcomed the leader of a foreign state in Karabakh. The signing of the Declaration on Allied Relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Turkey in the city of Shusha, which has a rich history, was engraved in our memories as an important historical event.
The fact that the Shusha Declaration coincided with the Liberation Day of the Azerbaijani people – June 15, and the 100th anniversary of the Kars Treaty, which is considered very important for Karabakh and Zangezur, has a special symbolic meaning. We are living witnesses of history repeating itself and similar events happening again. Now, an open struggle of states such as the USA, Russia, Great Britain, France, and Iran for the region is being observed. However, this time the difference is that events are unfolding in the interests and in the interests of Azerbaijan. It is no coincidence that when signing the Declaration with the Turkish leader in Shusha, the Azerbaijani head of state reminded everyone of the Kars Treaty: “The historic Kars Treaty was signed exactly a hundred years ago. This also has great symbolic meaning. The joint declaration on alliance signed in the liberated city of Shusha after a hundred years shows the direction of our future cooperation. The Declaration reflects many important issues. Joint cooperation at the international level, our activities, political relations, economic and trade relations, culture, education, sports, youth policy, almost all areas are covered. The importance of the Southern Gas Corridor for Turkey, Azerbaijan, and the world is indicated.” Of course, it is not accidental that President Ilham Aliyev referred to the Kars Treaty. Because situations similar to the processes that took place 100 years ago are being repeated now. With just one difference. If the outcome of the events then was in favor of Armenia and its patrons, the new reality that has emerged in the South Caucasus today means a direct victory of the Azerbaijani state and people. As a result of the wise and far-sighted policy pursued by our head of state, our people restored historical justice exactly 100 years later.
The Shusha Declaration signed by the leaders of Azerbaijan and Turkey is a historical reality that the whole world must come to terms with. The agreement, which is aimed at combining the capabilities of both countries in protecting their common interests, as well as mutually coordinating their activities on regional and international strategic issues of common interest, means the destruction of the geopolitical configurations that have existed in the region for nearly 200 years under the leadership of Baku and Ankara, and the beginning of a new regional order that will continue under the leadership of the Azerbaijani-Turkish tandem.
Also, the Shusha Declaration signed between Azerbaijan and Turkey is a revolutionary reality in relations between the two countries. Thus, starting from June 15, 2021, Baku and Ankara officially announced their alliance in the military-political and economic spheres. One of the most important points that stands out in the Declaration is related to cooperation and alliance in the military sphere. It is noted here that if the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the two states are threatened or violated by a third state or states, they will protect each other.
The inclusion of this provision in the Declaration is a very important message for individual neighboring and non-regional states, from the revanchist forces in Armenia. With the Shusha Declaration, Turkey openly brings to the attention of the international community that it will stand by our country with its army in the event of a violation of the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and a threat to its state borders. From now on, all neighboring states and the world community should know that those who dare to threaten the state sovereignty of Azerbaijan will face a new regional military-political bloc.
The two brotherly countries also agreed to make joint efforts to reform the armed forces of the two states in accordance with modern requirements, to implement measures aimed at strengthening defense capabilities and military security, to increase the joint operational capabilities of the armed forces of the two countries, to promote close cooperation in the management of weapons and ammunition based on modern technologies, and to ensure the coordinated activities of authorized structures and organizations for this purpose.
Another important point in the agreement is related to transport and logistics issues, which have become an important sector of the economy. In the Declaration signed between Azerbaijan and Turkey, the mention of the Zangezur corridor, which is a historical Turkish land, is an important factor indicating historical goals. The Declaration reflects the need to increase efforts to diversify national economies and exports, take necessary measures to establish mechanisms for organizing the free movement of goods, and continue efforts aimed at the efficient use and further development of the Southern Gas Corridor in a coordinated manner. It also includes urgent issues such as further development of the transit and transport potential of the Azerbaijan-Turkey sections of international transport corridors using intelligent transport systems technologies, opening the Zangezur corridor connecting Azerbaijan and Turkey, restoring transport and communication links in the region, and promoting the development of international transport corridors.
When talking about the Shusha Declaration, it is necessary to mention the currently relevant issues of information policy and lobbying. Thus, currently, there is a need for joint steps in the media platform and diaspora for more effective activities of the parties in the international arena. The fact that the Declaration includes provisions such as further strengthening cooperation in the fields of information, communication and public diplomacy between the relevant institutions of the two countries within the framework of the Azerbaijan-Turkey Media Platform, closer development of cooperation between the Azerbaijani and Turkish diasporas, taking joint steps in the face of common problems and showing consistent solidarity is a clear example of what has been said.
The Declaration also includes a provision on the foreign policy behavior of Azerbaijan and Turkey. The document states that the parties conduct an independent foreign policy aimed at ensuring their national interests and benefits. According to the document, joint efforts will be made to develop international relations, resolve local, regional and global security and stability issues.
For this, the importance of coordination and bilateral political consultations in the field of foreign policy is emphasized. The importance of activities within the framework of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council between Turkey and Azerbaijan in this direction is noted.
Thus, on June 15, 2021, Azerbaijan and Turkey took a historic step and signed a Declaration that will change the geopolitical landscape of the region. This Declaration is also a strong message to the enemies of Azerbaijan and Turkey. This Declaration is an example of integration between the states of Azerbaijan and Turkey in all areas. Most importantly, this Declaration is a declaration to the whole world of a new historical reality for the region.
Vugar Aghayev
