Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan have signed the Ankara Declaration, marking a new phase in their strategic partnership. The declaration follows the second trilateral meeting of the foreign affairs, trade, economy, and transport ministers from the three nations in Ankara, as confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan.
The Ankara Declaration stresses the countries' commitment to mutual respect, trust, and their shared historical and cultural ties. Central to the document is the reaffirmation of support for each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity, in line with international law and the United Nations Charter. The declaration calls for enhanced mechanisms to promote regional stability and cooperation.
The declaration focuses on expanding trade and economic cooperation among the three countries. Key initiatives include eliminating trade barriers, incorporating digital solutions in customs and transport processes, and fostering a conducive environment for investments and infrastructure modernization.
A major highlight of the declaration is the prioritization of the Middle Corridor, a crucial transport route connecting Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan. The countries agreed to improve transport infrastructure, optimize logistics, and bolster the corridor's competitiveness in the global market.
Additionally, the declaration also emphasizes support for the reconstruction of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. The three countries have committed to launching investment projects in infrastructure, transport, digital technologies, and public services to ensure sustainable development and security in the region.
Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan pledged to deepen cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), a platform aimed at enhancing mutual development. The Turkish Investment Fund is set to play a pivotal role in supporting key initiatives across industries, agriculture, transport, digital technologies, and tourism.
The declaration highlights the importance of strengthening the Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia (TRACECA). Plans to modernize border crossings, improve logistics, and digitalize transport processes were also included in the document, aiming to enhance regional connectivity and trade efficiency.
Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan have committed to working together within international organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). The declaration reflects the nations' shared vision for promoting international stability and fostering regional cooperation.
The trilateral cooperation is set to continue with the third meeting planned in Azerbaijan. The discussions will focus on implementing the points outlined in the Ankara Declaration and exploring new areas of cooperation.
Over the past five years, trade turnover among the three countries has surged by nearly 45%, reaching $3.2bn in 2024. Investment ties have also strengthened, with 2,100 enterprises involving Turkish and Azerbaijani capital now operating in Uzbekistan—2.5 times more than in 2020—while 577 Uzbek joint ventures are successfully established in Türkiye and Azerbaijan.
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