Baghdad: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has affirmed his country’s unwavering support for the ongoing peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. This assurance was conveyed during his meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, held in the Kyrgyz capital on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Turkish Presidency’s Directorate of Communications released a statement emphasizing Erdogan’s commitment to the peace process. Erdogan told Aliyev that achieving peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia would serve as a crucial development for regional stability. The meeting highlighted Turkey’s contributions to cooperation in energy, infrastructure, and transportation sectors, showcasing the tangible benefits of the partnership with Azerbaijan.

Erdogan also emphasized the importance of enhancing bilateral relations, driven by the principle of “one nation, two states,” which he believes will be mutually beneficial for Turkey and A
zerbaijan. The discussions between the two leaders extended beyond bilateral relations to cover regional and international issues of shared interest.

During the meeting, Erdogan extended an invitation to Aliyev to attend the COP31 summit in Antalya, scheduled for November 9 to 20. This move is seen as an effort to further strengthen diplomatic ties and collaboration between the two nations.

It is noteworthy that last year, President Aliyev signed a joint declaration with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, following a trilateral summit hosted by then-US President Donald Trump. A key outcome of the summit was an agreement to develop the Zangezur Corridor, aimed at connecting Azerbaijan with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic via Armenia.

President Erdogan’s visit to Kyrgyzstan for the SCO summit, which includes member states like China, Russia, and India, underscores Turkey’s active engagement in regional cooperation and dialogue.