Erdoğan in Baku: “We are highly optimistic about achieving lasting peace in the Caucasus”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Ankara is “highly optimistic and hopeful” about achieving lasting peace in the South Caucasus, praising Azerbaijan’s victory in Karabakh and expressing support for ongoing diplomatic efforts with Armenia.

Erdoğan marks Karabakh Victory Day in Baku

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended the 8 November Victory Day Ceremony in Baku, commemorating the fifth anniversary of Azerbaijan’s military operation that ended Armenia’s three-decade presence in Karabakh.

Addressing the ceremony, Erdoğan said he was pleased to represent Türkiye on such a symbolic day and conveyed greetings from “brothers and sisters in Türkiye.”

“We do not see this victory as an end, but as a milestone toward lasting peace in the Caucasus,” he said.

Erdoğan thanked the leaders and delegations from friendly countries attending the event and paid tribute to Azerbaijani soldiers who lost their lives during the 2020 conflict.

“Karabakh’s liberation is a source of pride for the entire Turkic world”

Erdoğan highlighted that the liberation of Karabakh was not only a victory for Azerbaijan, but a “shared achievement of the wider Turkic world.”

“Every step taken by Azerbaijani soldiers in Karabakh is written in gold in our common history,” Erdoğan stated.
“Here, shoulder to shoulder, Turkish and Azerbaijani soldiers demonstrate what ‘two states, one nation’ truly means.”

Optimism for permanent peace with Armenia

Erdoğan expressed strong support for Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s efforts to finalize a comprehensive peace agreement with Armenia.

“We are highly optimistic about lasting peace. President Aliyev’s sincere efforts are valuable,” he noted.
“We observe Armenian Prime Minister Pashinyan’s recent steps toward peace with satisfaction.”

Erdoğan added that Türkiye will continue to support the process, stressing that peace in the Caucasus would improve regional prosperity from Asia to Europe.

Strategic projects and regional connectivity

The Turkish president also emphasized the importance of large-scale energy and transport projects linking Türkiye and Azerbaijan, including:

• TANAP and Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipelines

• Iğdır–Nakhchivan gas pipeline

• Plans to expand the Middle Corridor and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway

“Further investment in the East–West Middle Corridor will benefit all regional partners,” Erdoğan said.

Türkiye supports rebuilding efforts in Karabakh

Erdoğan praised reconstruction work in cities such as Shusha, Fuzuli, and Lachin, saying Azerbaijan is turning the region into a “rising star.”

“I saw airports, roads, tunnels, and new housing projects on the ground. This is only the beginning.”

Call for greater international recognition of Northern Cyprus

Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye’s support for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) within the Organization of Turkic States.

“We hope TRNC’s position within the Turkic world strengthens with Azerbaijan’s determined support.”