Ankara: The Ankara Declaration, signed on Wednesday by Trkiye, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan, has reaffirmed the commitment to support Azerbaijan’s reconstruction and rehabilitation initiatives, focusing on demining activities in the Karabakh and East Zangezur regions.
According to Anadolu Agency, the declaration emphasizes the three nations’ support for each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of international borders. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, and Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov signed the declaration following a joint news conference in Ankara.
Fidan highlighted the significance of the Middle Corridor as a key trade route linking Asia and Europe. He described it as the most reliable, fastest, and cost-effective connection between the two continents. During the press conference with his Azerbaijani and Uzbek counterparts, Fidan noted the disruptions in global supply chains caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, and recent Middle Eastern developments.
He further pointed out that the largest trade volume globally occurs between Asia and Europe, positioning Trkiye, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan as central to this vital route. The press conference was conducted after the second trilateral meeting of the foreign affairs, transport, and trade ministries of the three countries.