Minister Fidan Emphasizes Regional Peace and Stability in Baku

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a joint press conference with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Ceyhun Bayramov in Baku.

Highlights from Minister Fidan's statements:

"Türkiye-Azerbaijan relations are interlocked with unshakable bonds. I would like to express my gratitude to our Presidents for their leadership on this issue. I commemorate all our martyrs who played a tremendous role in the liberation of Baku 108 years ago today, with respect and gratitude.

We had very detailed discussions today. I also met with Mr. Aliyev during the day. I conveyed how our President thinks on certain important issues. Relations between Türkiye and Azerbaijan are unshakable. Our partnership, which is gradually deepening by adding defense to Türkiye-Azerbaijan relations, is clearly visible.

We want the South Caucasus to be remembered with peace, transportation, energy and economic development, not conflicts.

“IRAN'S STABILITY IS IMPORTANT”

Developments regarding our neighbor Iran also concern Türkiye and Azerbaijan very closely. Iran's security, stability and prosperity directly affect our region. In this regard, we want the current conflict to be resolved through diplomatic means as soon as possible.

The recent increase in mutual attacks is seriously disrupting peace efforts. These actions that increase tension in the region must end immediately.

At the same time, safe, uninterrupted and free passage should be allowed in the Strait of Hormuz and the pre-war status quo should be returned as soon as possible. We continue our uninterrupted contacts with all relevant parties to resolve the crisis and ensure peace and security in the region.

“OUR EFFORTS TO KEEP THE BLACK SEA OUT OF THE CONFLICT CONTINUES”

While the conflicts continue without a break, civilian casualties and destruction increase day by day. The escalation in the war also seriously affects the Black Sea basin. We have made great efforts to keep the Black Sea out of conflicts since the beginning of the crisis. We achieved the Montreux Straits contract meticulously and were successful.

However, the increasing attacks on civilian ships in the Black Sea in recent months have seriously damaged life, property, navigation and environmental safety in the region. Unfortunately, our Turkish and Azerbaijani sailors also lost their lives in these attacks. I wish God's mercy to our sailors who lost their lives.

“WE INCREASED OUR EFFORTS FOR THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE AGREEMENT”

It is not acceptable that the war spreads to the Black Sea and threatens the lives of our citizens and the activities of our companies. We provide the necessary warnings to the parties.

We believe that a consensus on this issue can be achieved if the necessary political will is demonstrated and we act in good faith. We have recently increased our efforts to reach an agreement. We are making the necessary efforts to finalize it. Even the worst peace is better than war itself. "As Türkiye, we will continue to make every effort for peace."