STATEMENT OF TURKISH PRIME MINISTER RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN
- Dear President, 
- Dear press representatives!
During the meetings in private and in the presence of the delegations, I and my esteemed brother Ilham Aliyev thoroughly discussed developments in Georgia, which are considered a serious threat to the peace and stability in the South Caucasus. Besides, we had an opportunity to discuss in detail political and economic issues that are in spotlight of bilateral relations.
As you know, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgian have together realized the projects that are of historical significance. Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, Baku-Tbilisi-Erzerum, Baku-Tbilisi-Kars projects are the biggest projects of the 21st century. They are very important for the stability in the region and welfare of the peoples living here. Peace and stability are vitally important for the region we live in, for our welfare and tranquility. Latest developments created a situation, which will have an effect on the peace, stability and welfare and even pose threat to them. It makes us concerned. I made sure that I and esteemed Ilham Aliyev share the same opinion on the need to establish peace, stability, prosperity and cooperation in the South Caucasus.
During the meetings, we also had an opportunity to discuss the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. We once more stressed the need to settle the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict on the basis of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and in line with international law. Turkey wants peaceful resolution of the conflict. We support all efforts and activity in this direction. The fact that Minsk Group has not managed to achieve any results for the past 16 years makes us begin to think.
Latest developments in the region showed how fragile the security in the South Caucasus is. Making conclusions on this standoff, we must divert our attention and energy to surmount enmity between the peoples of the region. As you know, I visited Moscow and Tbilisi last week where I proposed to create the platform of stability and cooperation in the Caucasus. We regard this initiate important in terms of full establishment of peace, security and stability in the Caucasus. Here are major principles of this proposal, which will be hopefully joined by Azerbaijan.
First and foremost, this platform must have a geographical basis. The platform must pursue a goal of establishing peace and security in the region, ensuring economic cooperation and energy security. This platform must rest on the OSCE principles and envisage joint resolution of any problem and mechanism for managing it. The platform will strengthen stability and cooperation in the region. In the event that any problem occur, the countries, which adopted the platform, must solve it, following the main principles and mechanisms.
Important cooperation connects Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia. I am sure that it will be further developed on the basis of this platform. We were pleased to see a positive approach of Russia and Azerbaijan to this proposal. Today, I and my esteemed brother Ilham Aliyev discussed this topic in detail. Azerbaijan`s positive approach to this proposal made us glad.
Our Ministry of Foreign Affairs has started to work on this issue. It can be realized by holding joint discussion with the Foreign Ministries of the countries concerned. I am certain that steps taken by us together with Azerbaijan and Georgia towards making the Caucasus region a center of peace, stability and welfare will be continued.
I am confident that along with political contacts our expanding economic and trade ties saw a great progress as well. For the past year, our trade turnover reached $1.5 billion, and it is obvious that it will be increased. Positions of both parties on this issue are positive.
At today`s meetings, I and my esteemed brother, Ilham Aliyev came to a common idea on the need to further develop bilateral ties in all fields. I am sure that the present visit will be instrumental in creating conditions for establishment of long-term peace and stability in the region. Thank you
######
Other news in this section
