Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Ceyhun Bayramov: Implementation of the Zangezur Corridor will increase economic opportunities

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Ceyhun Bayramov spoke at the 13th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (TDT) held in Ankara, hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

Thanking Türkiye for the hospitality shown and the organization of the summit at a high level, Bayramov congratulated the Turkish people on the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye.

Bayramov reminded that Azerbaijan took over the TDT term presidency at the summit held in Gabala a year ago, and that the main subject of the summit was regional peace and security.

Emphasizing that the developments in the world over the past year have once again confirmed the topicality of these issues, Bayramov noted that there are serious tensions in the international relations system.

Bayramov stated that military conflicts, new security threats and violations of international law principles pose serious challenges for states and said, "In such an environment, Azerbaijan continues to be an area of ​​stability and security. Our country not only ensures its own security, but also plays a stabilizing role in strengthening peace and stability in a wider region." he said.

Reminding that Azerbaijan has completely re-established its territorial integrity and sovereignty by ending the occupation of Armenia, which lasted nearly 30 years, Bayramov stated that the long-standing conflict in the South Caucasus has been resolved.

Bayramov said, "Today, the process of normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia continues. There is an environment of de facto peace in the region. However, we expect Armenia to take the necessary political and legal steps to sign the peace agreement. Azerbaijan's position is clear. We want a long-term and reliable peace to be achieved in the South Caucasus, and a period of cooperation to replace the period of conflict in the region." he said.

Talking about the construction and revival works in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, which were liberated from occupation, Bayramov stated that approximately 100 thousand people live in the liberated regions.

Bayramov also talked about the events organized within the scope of TDT during Azerbaijan's term presidency and said:

"The geographical location, economic potential and energy resources of the Turkish states offer ample opportunities to further increase our role in international transportation, trade and energy security. Azerbaijan is an active participant in regional projects carried out in this direction. The development of the Central Corridor, the implementation of the Zangezur Corridor and the expansion of transportation connections between our countries will increase the economic opportunities of our countries. Our main goal is to benefit from these opportunities not only for transit transportation, but also for the development of mutual trade, industrial cooperation and investments."

Stating that the cooperation of TDT member countries in the fields of energy, digital connections and new technologies has gained a new dimension, Bayramov said: "Azerbaijan, a reliable supplier of traditional energy resources, also plays an important role in creating green energy and digital connections between Central Asia and Europe." he said.

Bayramov emphasized that the TDT+ format offers new opportunities for expanding cooperation with third countries and international organizations, and that joint efforts should be continued for TDT to obtain observer status at the United Nations General Assembly.

Bayramov wished success to Türkiye, which took over the term presidency of TDT, and congratulated Mirvahid Azimov, who was appointed as TDT Secretary General.