Jeyhun Bayramov: Azerbaijan to continue constructive steps for regional peace
Ankara, January 29, AZERTAC
“The restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and sovereignty has created new opportunities for economic cooperation across a vast geographical area. Today, efforts are underway to establish a key segment of the Middle Corridor, linking East and West through Azerbaijan’s liberated territories. This route holds significant potential,” said Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov at a joint press conference following the Türkiye-Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan 2nd Trilateral meeting of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Trade/Economy, and Transport in Ankara.
Addressing Armenia’s Constitution, which contains territorial claims against Azerbaijan, Bayramov stated: “The unacceptable articles in Armenia’s current Constitution and various other legal acts, along with calls for revanchism, obstruct the peace process. Azerbaijan remains committed to taking constructive steps in this regard.”
The minister highlighted ongoing reconstruction efforts in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories and expressed gratitude to Türkiye and Uzbekistan for their contributions to the development of the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions.
Speaking on Azerbaijan’s ties with Türkiye and Uzbekistan, Bayramov emphasized that relations with both countries continue to strengthen at the level of strategic partnership. “Our nations have made significant strides in cooperation across trade, investment, transport, and economic sectors. New trilateral projects are also under discussion,” he noted.
The minister identified renewable energy as a promising area for collaboration with Türkiye and Uzbekistan.
Discussing transit and logistics, Bayramov underscored the importance of expanding the Middle Corridor and key infrastructure projects, including increasing the capacity of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway from 1 million to 5 million tons per year and expanding the Baku International Sea Trade Port from 5 million to 25 million tons. “The Caspian region holds vast potential for cargo transportation,” he added.
On environmental cooperation, Bayramov thanked Türkiye and Uzbekistan for their contributions to and active participation in COP29, which positively impacted the summit’s outcomes.
The trilateral meeting also covered international cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), the UN, OIC, OSCE, D-8, and other formats, as well as the results of the "United Territorial Community" initiative in 2024 and plans for the coming year.
Regarding regional issues, discussions included developments in Afghanistan, the importance of humanitarian aid, and the implementation of the Trans-Afghan railway project. Touching on the situation in Gaza, Bayramov reiterated Azerbaijan’s support for a peace framework based on the “two states for two peoples” principle. “Official Baku will continue its diplomatic efforts in this direction,” he stated.
Highlighting Türkiye’s critical role in Syria, Bayramov stressed the need for measures to ensure stability and reconstruction.
Concluding his remarks, the Azerbaijani foreign minister expressed condolences to Türkiye’s leadership and people over the tragic fire at a hotel in the Kartalkaya ski resort in Bolu province.
Ramin Abdullayev
Special correspondent
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