STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT OF TURKEY ABDULLAH GUL
- Dear press representatives
Today, I and esteemed President Ilham Aliyev, it has been always like this, had a very fruitful meeting. Fraternity, friendship of Turkey and Azerbaijan are everlasting. Based on this, we first discussed our bilateral ties and then considered the issues concerning the region. As the main topic is our bilateral relationship, Turkey and Azerbaijan cooperate perfectly in political, economic and other fields. In political issues, Turkey has always been alongside Azerbaijan.
In the economic sphere, as esteemed President Aliyev said, the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, Baku-Tbilisi-Erzerum gas main and, the last one, Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project, the foundation of its section we laid in Kars and started earlier in Georgia - these projects gained immense respect of the whole world. I believe that we have a great will and strengthen to complete the railway in the future, further strengthen and develop our economic ties.
Today, we considered the new situation in the Caucasus quite comprehensively. From this point of view, I briefed in detail esteemed Ilham Aliyev on my visit to Armenia a few days ago, my presence at the match between national teams and the meeting with President of Armenia, which took place there. I want to sincerely share with you that esteemed President Aliyev`s very realistic analysis on the Caucasus region, indeed, had huge impression on me. Here, I want to express my gratitude to and approval for him.
The main topic is the new situation. After Georgia developments, we, as statesmen and leaders, must thoroughly and correctly analyze the situation and demonstrate a strong will. I hope that Nagorno-Karabakh problem between Azerbaijan and Armenia will be solved through dialogue, mutual understanding and reciprocal visits. We believe that there is a new opportunity to settle this problem, which has remained unsolved for the past 17 years. From this point of view, I left Armenia with optimism. Sure, the problem will be solved through meetings.
Quick release of the occupied lands will, certainly, become an important step, and with establishment of peace and security in region we shall reach very effective economic cooperation. Pipelines, railway, on which we had comprehensive talk, will envelope the entire Caucasus region. It is, therefore, necessary to properly estimate the new opportunities and not to continue the “frozen conflicts”, but to solve them. I am hopeful that there is a new chance to solve the question. I am of opinion that the countries of region will estimate this in better form and prefer peaceful way. Either way, there are resolutions of the United Nations to be considered, and finally, not enmity, but friendship will overcome. The entire region, all peoples will benefit of this. It is therefore important to work with good intention, and I am convinced that the world will also hail and support this.
I would once again express satisfaction with sincere and warm attitude we witnessed and sensed here. From this standpoint, I would extend to all my Azerbaijani brothers my love, esteem and consideration of the Turkish people. It is truth that we are parts of one nation, though we live in different states. Our solidarity is everlasting.
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