Diplomats Fidan and Bayramov discuss regional matters during a phone conversation
In a significant development, Turkey and Azerbaijan have signed the Shusha Declaration, a strategic military alliance that strengthens their defense cooperation and includes a NATO-style mutual defense provision. This declaration was signed in 2021, reflecting the long-standing good relationship between the two countries since Azerbaijan's establishment after the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
The Shusha Declaration is of great significance in the context of regional issues, including the ongoing war in Gaza and developments in the Caucasus. The declaration deepens the Azerbaijan-Turkey alliance, reinforcing Azerbaijan’s security posture in the region while allowing Baku to maintain a balancing act with Russia, with which it also has a security agreement.
The discussion about the Shusha Declaration was held over the phone between Foreign Ministers Hakan Fidan of Turkey and Jeyhun Bayramov of Azerbaijan. The topic of discussion included bilateral relations and regional issues. The discussion was confirmed by Turkish Foreign Ministry sources and took place on Monday.
The Shusha Declaration formalizes a strategic military alliance between Turkey and Azerbaijan with mutual defense obligations. However, it is important to note that no physical Turkish military base on Azerbaijani soil currently exists because the mutual defense guarantee makes it unnecessary.
The alliance between Turkey and Azerbaijan underscores a shift away from Russian influence in the South Caucasus, causing concern in Armenia and neighbouring powers wary of Ankara’s growing regional role. At the same time, Azerbaijan's increased security partnership with Turkey is part of its broader geopolitical strategy that complicates Russia’s traditional dominance in the region.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan and Armenia are currently pursuing a peace deal, with the support of Turkey. Despite the Shusha Declaration strengthening Azerbaijan militarily and diplomatically, diplomatic peace talks continue to advance, with some progress toward a peace framework. The ongoing peace process seeks to address outstanding tensions following the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
In conclusion, the Shusha Declaration emphasizes cooperation against threats to independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and border security. Azerbaijan's victory over Armenian separatists in the region marked a turning point in the region, and the Shusha Declaration is another significant step in the evolving dynamics of the South Caucasus. If the peace deal is successful, Armenia may fully normalize its relations with Azerbaijan, leading to a resolution of their long-standing disagreements.
[1] Geopolitical Futures [2] Foreign Policy [3] Al Jazeera [5] The Diplomat
- Turkey's strategic military alliance with Azerbaijan, as formalized by the Shusha Declaration, is a significant development in regional diplomacy, particularly in the context of war-and-conflicts like the ongoing war in Gaza and the Caucasus.
- Coming in the wake of Azerbaijan's increased security partnership with Turkey, the Shusha Declaration reflects the two countries' efforts to balance their strategic alliances, including the one with Russia, in the politics of the South Caucasus.
- Despite the Shusha Declaration strengthening Azerbaijan militarily and diplomatically, it is crucial to note the ongoing diplomatic peace talks with Armenia in the general news, with some progress toward a peace framework in the politics of the South Caucasus.
