Baku: Trkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Tuesday called for safe, uninterrupted, and free passage through the Strait of Hormuz and a swift return to the pre-war status quo, while warning against the further spread of the Russia-Ukraine war. Speaking at a joint news conference with his Azerbaijani counterpart Jeyhun Bayramov in Baku, Fidan said developments in neighboring Iran directly concern both Trkiye and Azerbaijan.
According to Anadolu Agency, Fidan emphasized that Iran's security, stability, and prosperity have a direct impact on the region, advocating for the resolution of current conflicts through diplomatic means. He highlighted the detrimental effects of increasing reciprocal attacks on peace efforts and urged for an immediate cessation of actions that fuel regional tensions. Fidan reiterated the importance of maintaining safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and restoring the pre-war status quo, while mentioning that Trkiye is actively engaging with relevant parties to resolve the crisis.
Turning to the Ukraine war, Fidan noted Trkiye's significant efforts to prevent the conflict from spilling into the Black Sea, citing strict implementation of the Montreux Convention and initiatives like the Black Sea Grain Initiative. He expressed concern over recent attacks on civilian vessels, highlighting the risks to life, property, navigation, and the environment. He condemned the spread of the conflict into the Black Sea, which has resulted in casualties among Turkish and Azerbaijani sailors.
Responding to questions, Fidan warned of the Ukraine conflict's potential to expand beyond its current geography. He reiterated Trkiye's unchanged stance that the war, which should never have started, should not spread and must end immediately. Fidan pointed to Trkiye's diplomatic engagements, including the Black Sea grain deal and negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul, as efforts to mitigate the conflict's impact. He stressed the need for political will and good faith to find common ground and prevent further escalation.
Fidan highlighted the strategic relationship between Trkiye and Azerbaijan, underpinned by cooperation in economic, commercial, energy, transportation, and connectivity sectors. He emphasized the significance of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and plans to enhance connectivity through the Zangezur Corridor and the Kars-Igdir-Aralik-Dilucu railway, projecting completion by 2029.
On regional matters, Fidan welcomed progress toward a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, praising Baku's constructive approach. He expressed a vision for the South Caucasus associated with peace, transportation, energy, trade, and economic development. Fidan also underscored the deepening defense and security cooperation between Trkiye and Azerbaijan, including joint exercises and collaboration in defense industries.
Fidan announced upcoming meetings of the Organization of Turkic States in Ankara, including a summit aimed at consolidating a common vision for the future of the Turkic world. Additionally, he met with Ambassador Ramil Hasan, secretary-general of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States in Baku.