30.10.2026 12:12
Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov made noteworthy statements regarding the peace process in the South Caucasus at the Summit of the Organization of Turkic States held in Ankara. Noting that a de facto peace environment has emerged in the region, Bayramov emphasized that Armenia has not yet taken the necessary political and legal steps for a permanent peace agreement. Bayramov said, "We want to replace the period of conflict with a period of cooperation."
The opening speech of the 13th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Council of Heads of State Meeting, held at the Presidential Complex, was delivered by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. After Erdoğan's speech, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov took the floor.
'THERE IS A SERIOUS TENSION IN THE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS SYSTEM TODAY'
Bayramov began his speech by congratulating the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye and said: 'At the summit held in Gabala a year ago, Azerbaijan assumed the chairmanship of the Organization of Turkic States established on the basis of the Nakhchivan Agreement. The main topic of this summit was regional peace and security. The events in the world over the past year reaffirmed the importance of these issues once again. Today, a serious tension prevails in the international relations system. Ongoing military conflicts in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and the wider geography, the emergence of new dangerous threats, and the erosion of the norms and principles of international law pose serious challenges for states. Under these conditions, Azerbaijan continues to be a center of stability and security. Our country not only ensures its own security but also plays a stable role in strengthening peace and solidarity in the wider region.'
'THERE IS A DE FACTO STATE OF PEACE IN THE REGION'
Noting that Azerbaijan remained under occupation for nearly 30 years, Bayramov said: 'The long-running conflict in the South Caucasus has been resolved. After the conflict, Azerbaijan also became the initiator of the peace process. The peace agreement prepared on the basis of the principles our country has followed for many years was signed last year. Today, the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia continues. There is a de facto state of peace in the region. However, we expect Armenia to take the necessary political and legal steps for the signing of the peace agreement. This is in line with Azerbaijan's position. We want to ensure long-term and reliable peace in the South Caucasus and replace the conflict period in the region with a period of cooperation.'
'ABOUT 100,000 PEOPLE LIVE IN THE LIBERATED AREAS'
Touching on the work in Karabakh and East Zangezur liberated from occupation, Bayramov said: 'Large-scale reconstruction and repair work is being carried out in Karabakh and East Zangezur liberated from occupation. Cities and villages are being rebuilt, and modern transport, energy and social infrastructure is being created. About 100,000 people already live, work and study in the liberated areas. The return of former forced migrants to their homeland continues.'
SECURITY AND DEFENSE INDUSTRY COOPERATION WITHIN THE OTS
Also touching on the work carried out last year within the framework of the OTS, Bayramov said: 'Dear heads of state, I would also like to touch upon the work done within our organization last year. At the Foreign Ministers meetings held in Istanbul, Antalya, Turkistan and New York, urgent issues of the regional and international agenda were discussed and joint declarations were adopted. Attention was also paid to the practical aspect of cooperation on security. The next meeting of security council secretaries was held in Baku, and as a result of the meeting of the heads of defense industry organizations, the 2027 roadmap envisaging joint production and technological cooperation was adopted.'
Listing the events hosted by Azerbaijan during its chairmanship, Bayramov noted that the first meeting of the heads of state institutions responsible for religious affairs was held in Shusha, and the seventh meeting of the Organization of Turkic States and the Council of Heads of Muslim Religious Affairs was held in Baku.
'WE MUST USE OUR ECONOMIC POTENTIAL IN JOINT PROJECTS'
Emphasizing the importance of economic cooperation between countries, Bayramov said: 'The broader use of the economic potential of our countries in joint projects has been one of the most important issues during Azerbaijan's chairmanship. The tasks we set in this area at the second meeting of heads of government held in Baku were clearly reflected in the declaration. Here we are talking about mutual investments, transport connections, energy and projects that combine the economic potential of our countries. The geographical location, economic potential and energy resources of the Turkic states create broad opportunities to further increase our role in international transportation, trade and energy security. Azerbaijan is an active participant in regional projects implemented in this direction. The development of the Middle Corridor, the realization of the Zangezur Corridor and the expansion of transport connections between our countries will increase the economic opportunities of our countries.'
Stating that their main goal is to use these opportunities not only for transit passage but also for mutual trade, industrial cooperation and the development of investments, Bayramov said that cooperation in the fields of energy, digital connections and new technologies has gained a new dimension.
Bayramov stated that Azerbaijan, in addition to being a reliable supplier of different energy resources, also plays an important role in establishing energy and digital connections between Central Asia and Europe.
COOPERATION PLATFORM ESTABLISHED IN FINANCIAL AUDIT
Noting that Baku hosted the meetings of the Council of Central Banks and the heads of financial audit services, Bayramov stated that a cooperation platform was established in the field of financial audit. Emphasizing that common history, language and cultural work are among the main directions of cooperation between countries, Bayramov noted that this year, at Azerbaijan's initiative, Turkic World Week was organized in Baku, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first Turkology Congress.
Stating that the congress held in Baku a century ago has an important place in the history of scientific and cultural relations among the Turkic peoples, Bayramov said that the countries are expanding cooperation in line with their common interests, and projects of regional importance are being implemented in both national and multilateral formats.
'I BELIEVE IT WILL FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE OTS'S INTERNATIONAL POSITION'
Noting that the OTS Plus format established at the Gabala Summit offers new opportunities to expand cooperation with third countries and international organizations, Bayramov said: 'Within this format, along with developing our relations, I believe that continuing our efforts for our organization to obtain observer status at the UN General Assembly will further strengthen the international position of the Organization of Turkic States.'
Thanking for the support given during Azerbaijan's chairmanship, Bayramov wished success to the country taking over the chairmanship in the coming period.
Noting their gratitude for the contributions of outgoing Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev to the development of the organization, Bayramov congratulated the new Secretary General Mirvohid Azimov on his appointment and wished him success in his future activities.
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