South Caucasus is in focus of Turkey’s foreign policy, Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu wrote in “Regional approach to global peace” piece of opinion published in Russia in Global Policy journal.
“Since the South Caucasus countries regained independence, Turkey has tried its best for establishment of peace and stability in the region. Turkey was among the pioneer countries to recognize independence of the former soviet republics, including Armenia. As to relations with Azerbaijan, these have always been fraternal due to the commonness of our culture, history and language. Close political ties with Baku are maintained through frequent mutual visits, continuous dialog and solidarity in issues representing common interests. Bilateral trade totaled $2.5 billion. Besides, Turkey is the major investor in Azerbaijan’s economy,” Davutoglu wrote.
“Being a member of the OSCE Minsk Group, Turkey stands for a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict. It’s regretful that the settlement mechanism has produced no positive result so far. Meanwhile, the ongoing dialog between Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Serzh Sargsyan is of utmost importance. The Minsk Group remains to be the only international instrument for the conflicting sides to reach a peaceful agreement,” he continued.
“Our relationship with Armenia is a missing element in the picture we would like to see in the South Caucasus. Nevertheless, we not lose hope that ties with Armenia will be normalized. Confidence-building measures taken in 2009 provided a good momentum for a universal agreement. Titanic efforts and intense talks led to signature of Protocols envisaging normalization of relations between the two countries,” Davutoglu wrote.
Meanwhile, the Turkish Minister did not fail to link the Armenian-Turkish rapprochement to resolution of the Karabakh conflict. “With a comprehensive agreement on Karabakh we will overcome the barriers on the way to regional cooperation and peace,” he said. “The ruling of the Armenian Constitutional Court emerged as an unexpected obstacle that should be removed. If both sides behave adequately, the Protocols will be ratified by the Turkish parliament soon, paving the way for a future of peace, glory and cooperation.”
