"The Middle Corridor holds strategic importance for fostering cooperation in the Turkic world. Recent developments confirm that this route is the most reliable, swift, and cost-effective trade corridor linking Asia and Europe," said Hakan Fidan, Turkish Foreign Minister, at the Türkiye-Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan 2nd Trilateral meeting of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Trade/Economy, and Transport in Ankara.
Highlighting the challenges and threats facing humanity, as well as the global law crisis, the Turkish FM emphasized: "Unfortunately, existing international institutions are inadequate to address problems and crises. Tensions are growing globally. In this regard, solidarity and unity in the Turkic world are of particular importance." He underscored that the consolidation of Turkic states contributes to peace, stability, and prosperity far beyond the region.
Hakan Fidan noted that, alongside the growing influence of the oil- and gas-rich countries of Central Asia and the South Caucasus, numerous sanctions negatively impact the global energy situation. "Over the past 20 years, Türkiye has implemented numerous projects on the East-West route. These initiatives will continue," the minister stated.
Hakan Fidan expressed optimism about concrete steps to enhance collaboration between Ankara, Baku, and Tashkent, defining a new roadmap for strengthening relations among the three countries.
Touching upon the recent developments in Syria, Hakan Fidan described the change of power in the neighboring country as "opening a new window of opportunity for the entire region." He added, "Syria’s stability and development will also contribute to stability and security in the region, creating fresh opportunities in logistics, transport, trade, and energy."
The Azerbaijani delegation includes Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, and Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev. The Turkish delegation is led by Hakan Fidan, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, and Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, while Uzbekistan is represented by Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov, Minister of Investments, Industry and Trade Laziz Kudratov, and Minister of Transport Ilhom Mahkamov.
At the end of the trilateral meeting, the "Ankara Declaration" is expected to be signed, along with an Action Plan outlining a concrete roadmap for the three countries.
The first meeting in this format was held on August 2, 2022, in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan.
Ramin Abdullayev
Special correspondent
