Ankara’s efforts to mediate between Azerbaijan and Russia should be supported.
Ankara’s efforts to mediate between Azerbaijan and Russia should be supported.
In recent weeks, the tension between Azerbaijan and Russia has taken center stage both in Türkiye and across the region.
Of course, if there have been human rights violations committed by Russian police, those responsible must be held accountable. This is especially critical for Russia itself, as the individuals involved, although of Azerbaijani descent, are Russian citizens. The Russian state has an obligation to safeguard the rights of its citizens. This issue is closely tied to the country’s harmony and stability.
The winners in the conflict and cooperation
But the situation has taken a very different turn in the aftermath of the incident. Escalating tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia will serve the interests of Armenia and the common enemies of both Baku and Moscow.
By contrast, cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan plays a key role in preventing foreign interference in the region and in resolving regional disputes. The solution of the Karabakh issue is a prime example. The Ankara–Moscow–Baku axis was key in resolving the issue, preventing Western intervention and helping restore Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.
Western support for Armenia and Ukraine
Many similar issues still lie ahead.
Armenia, in particular, is being armed by Western powers and drawn into provocations against Azerbaijan. Russia is already facing a similar situation in Ukraine. In this context, cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan could pave the way for resolving these issues, whereas any conflict between the two would only serve the interests of their mutual enemies.
Proven by experience
The friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Russia carry historical significance. Türkiye is part of this as well, and all three countries have been targets of the efforts to destabilize the region. So these developments should be approached calmly, seeking to find a common ground.
The cooperation of Ankara, Baku, and Moscow has already demonstrated that there is no regional issue they cannot resolve, preventing any foreign interference. The Ankara–Moscow–Baku axis is crucial for ensuring regional security, developing trade routes, and revitalizing the economy. It is a barrier to Western attempts at destabilization and new forms of neocolonialism.
The historical dimension of this tripartite cooperation is also significant. I explore this in detail in my book “Turkish–Soviet Military Cooperation in the Caucasus (1919–1922).” This is precisely why we are seeing efforts to spark tension and misunderstanding between Ankara and Moscow, Baku and Moscow, and even Baku and Ankara.
Türkiye’s mediation and the South Caucasus Platform
As they share common interests, there is no reason they shouldn’t cooperate. They can ensure their security only through strategic-level relations with one another.
In this regard, Ankara’s efforts to mediate between Azerbaijan and Russia should be supported. It appears that both Baku and Moscow have accepted this mediation and begun taking steps. All parties should approach the situation with composure and resolve the issue in a way that aligns with their own interests: ensuring regional peace, enhancing trade routes, and strengthening regional security.
Meanwhile, the 3+3 South Caucasus platform should be activated. Georgia should be invited back so that Western interference and provocations, the main problem of the region, can be effectively neutralized.