Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan Deepen Ties with the Ankara Declaration and Transport Roadmap

The foreign, trade, and transport ministers of Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan convened this week in Ankara for their second trilateral meeting, culminating in the signing of the Ankara Declaration—a strategic document aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in economic, energy, and transport sectors.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, flanked by his Azerbaijani and Uzbek counterparts, described the agreement as a significant milestone in expanding the partnership among the three nations. “This declaration is not just a document; it is a commitment to deepen our cooperation, address regional challenges, and capitalize on shared opportunities,” he told reporters at a joint press conference.

The declaration includes a Joint Action Plan outlining cooperation for the coming period, as well as a Transport Cooperation Roadmap designed to enhance connectivity across the Caspian, Black, and Mediterranean Seas.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized the importance of the transport roadmap in bolstering regional trade. “The restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity opens new opportunities for broader collaboration. The Middle Corridor, particularly through Karabakh, will serve as a key artery for regional connectivity,” he stated.

The Middle Corridor—a trans-Caspian trade route linking China to Europe via Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Turkey—was a focal point of discussions among the three countries. The route’s expansion is expected to improve transport efficiency and strengthen the region’s position in global supply chains.

Bayramov also noted that the meeting covered energy diversification, including renewable energy projects, as well as humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. He highlighted the significance of the Trans-Afghan Railway Project, which, once completed, could become a vital trade link between Central and South Asia.

In addition to economic and infrastructure cooperation, the ministers discussed pressing geopolitical issues, including the ongoing crisis in Gaza and the situation in Syria.

Bayramov reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s support for a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on a two-state solution and called for adherence to the recently agreed ceasefire in Gaza. “Azerbaijan continues to advocate for a peaceful and just settlement in accordance with international law,” he stated.

Regarding Syria, Bayramov suggested that improved stability in the country could create new opportunities for economic cooperation. “Syria could become another platform for collaboration between our countries, provided that positive developments continue,” he noted.

The summit was accompanied by the Turkey-Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Trade and Investment Business Forum, where Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov emphasized the importance of deepening trade and investment partnerships.

In a statement published on the social media platform X, Jabbarov noted that the three nations are working on major investment projects to enhance regional economic integration. “We explored ways to expand trade ties, promote joint ventures, and facilitate investment in key sectors,” he wrote.

As part of efforts to strengthen Turkic cooperation, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that Azerbaijan will host the 12th official summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in autumn, while an informal summit will be held in Hungary.

The Organization of Turkic States, which includes Turkey, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan as full members, has gained geopolitical and economic significance in recent years, fostering closer coordination in infrastructure, trade, and cultural initiatives.

The Ankara trilateral format, first convened in Tashkent in 2022, has emerged as a key platform for aligning the foreign, economic, and transport policies of Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. As integration among the three countries deepens, their cooperation is expected to play an increasingly strategic role in Eurasian geopolitics, connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.

With the signing of the Ankara Declaration and the Transport Cooperation Roadmap, the alliance of these three Turkic states enters a new phase, prioritizing connectivity, economic expansion, and regional stability.