Interview of Türkiye’s Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz with APA
– What issues are on the agenda of the meeting of prime ministers and vice presidents of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Baku?
– At the meeting to be hosted by my dear brother, Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov, discussions will focus on strengthening multilateral cooperation among Turkic states in the face of regional and global challenges. In this context, concrete steps aimed at developing economic and trade relations, as well as improving transport infrastructure—particularly enhancing digital integration and connectivity of the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor—are among the main priorities. Additionally, proposals related to strengthening energy security, expanding cooperation in green energy, and more effective implementation of the decisions taken at OTS summits will also be considered. Current issues will be discussed at the meeting, and a joint statement will be adopted.
– Is the OTS ready to address today’s challenges and prevent emerging risks?
– Thanks to intensive consultation and coordination mechanisms, the OTS is becoming a more prepared organization in terms of both political will and institutional capacity to address today’s multifaceted risks. Summits and ministerial-level meetings support rapid and effective decision-making processes. Most recently, the Council of Foreign Ministers meeting held in Istanbul clearly demonstrated this collective will for action. With the strong vision of our leaders and the development of institutional capacity, the OTS is no longer just a consultation platform but is becoming an actor capable of producing concrete results and shaping the agenda at regional and global levels. In this framework, the OTS is strengthening its position as a reliable and effective model of cooperation that supports stability. Especially in an environment where regional institutions and rules are weakening, organizations like the OTS are becoming more prominent in addressing risks and uncertainties.
– It is known that many “powder kegs” have emerged around Türkiye. On one side, there is the Russia–Ukraine war, and on the other, the US–Israel–Iran confrontation. What steps is Türkiye taking with Ukraine, Russia, and Iran to resolve these conflicts? What risks does the war between the US, Israel, and Iran pose for the Turkic world?
– The prolongation of the US–Israel–Iran confrontation is increasing destruction, and its negative effects are deepening. Alongside humanitarian losses, economic and environmental costs are also rising. As Türkiye, we continue our intensive contacts aimed at ensuring a ceasefire, restoring stability, and prioritizing diplomacy and negotiations for lasting peace. We are in contact with all parties in this regard.
This confrontation is not limited to the Middle East; it also has multifaceted impacts on the Turkic world. Existing conflicts pose various risks ranging from energy security and trade routes to security and migration flows. Regional instability may create opportunities for terrorist organizations, while nuclear risks and logistical problems may also have global consequences. Therefore, our main priority is to prevent escalation and ensure a return to diplomacy.
– Could this war make it more difficult to achieve the goal of a “terror-free Türkiye”?
– An environment of instability that may arise in Iran could create opportunities for terrorist organizations such as PKK/PJAK and generate new border security risks. We oppose the reintroduction of scenarios of separatism and fragmentation and will not allow processes that would create lasting hostility in the region and harm everyone. Türkiye has achieved significant success in the field through its long-term, consistent, and determined counterterrorism strategy. Today, with the goal of a “terror-free Türkiye,” we continue to strengthen our national unity, brotherhood, and shared vision for the future. We are reinforcing our internal front against imperialist plans and advancing on the path of democracy and development.
– How do you assess the current state of Azerbaijan–Türkiye relations?
– Türkiye–Azerbaijan relations, elevated to the level of alliance with the Shusha Declaration, continue to develop in all fields based on mutual trust, sincerity, and a shared vision within the framework of “One nation, two states.” The close relations between our leaders further strengthen this process. We support our relations with friendly and brotherly Azerbaijan through cooperation in political, economic, military, and cultural fields, as well as energy, transport, and defense projects. The solidarity demonstrated on international platforms elevates these relations to a more sustainable and strategic level. Türkiye–Azerbaijan relations, built not only on brotherhood and friendship but also on deep strategic partnership and unwavering alliance, serve as an important model for regional stability and cooperation.
– What kind of innovations and developments will the 110-point new Action Plan signed during your previous visit to Azerbaijan bring?
– The 110-point Action Plan signed at the 12th meeting of the Türkiye–Azerbaijan Joint Economic Commission is a comprehensive roadmap shaping the future of trade and economic relations between the two countries, elevating ties to a new level with concrete goals and measurable steps. The Action Plan aims to strengthen coordination between institutions of both countries across a wide range of areas, including education, healthcare, agriculture, transport, and infrastructure. Within this framework, it includes concrete steps such as supporting the development of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, ensuring cooperation in investment and trade in services in third countries, establishing a Joint Working Group for Azerbaijan’s integration into the New Computerized Transit System, and creating joint industrial training centers. The main goal of this Action Plan is to achieve the $15 billion trade turnover target set by the Presidents of Türkiye and Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev. This strategic alignment will enable both countries to become regional production and attraction centers.
– What steps are planned to facilitate trade between Azerbaijan and Türkiye?
– To facilitate trade between the two countries, issues related to customs processes and logistics are discussed on various platforms. The Simplified Customs Line is one of the key examples of these efforts. In addition, increasing the capacity of the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway and diversifying trade across various sectors are planned. Through forums and digital platforms, expansion of trade is targeted particularly in sectors such as agriculture and food, textiles, construction materials, and machinery.
– What concrete benefits will the opening of the Zangezur Corridor bring in terms of trade and logistics along the Türkiye–Azerbaijan–Central Asia route?
– The Zangezur Corridor will ensure a direct land connection between Nakhchivan and Azerbaijan, enabling uninterrupted transport links between Türkiye and Azerbaijan. In this framework, our country will establish direct road connections with Turkic republics. The launch of the corridor will significantly accelerate and diversify regional trade and investment flows and contribute to achieving our trade volume targets with regional countries. At the same time, while positively impacting the Turkic world’s trade with the global market, the opening of the corridor will also contribute to the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, helping advance relations in a healthy manner and deepening regional economic cooperation and integration through the unifying power of trade. In the medium and long term, this will promote economic development and strengthen stability in the South Caucasus region.
– Are there any joint projects on renewable energy sources (green energy, wind, and solar) on the agenda between the two countries?
– Cooperation between Türkiye and Azerbaijan in renewable energy has advanced to a more concrete stage with specific projects. Initiatives such as interconnectivity projects, the creation of a green energy corridor, development of electricity trade, and strengthening infrastructure stand out as strategic steps that will enhance energy supply security.
Through regional electricity trade projects and joint working groups, technical cooperation, investment preparations, and information exchange are ongoing. This process not only supports both countries’ energy transition goals but also establishes regional energy security and economic cooperation on a stronger foundation.
– Can Türkiye and Azerbaijan together create a “common economic model” for the region?
– The “One nation, two states” vision has the potential to evolve naturally into a fully integrated “common economic model.” The two countries demonstrate strong will to move beyond being mutual trade partners and function as a unified economic space that harmonizes production standards and customs processes while financing strategic sectors through joint investment projects. Combining Türkiye’s production capacity, broad market access, and technological infrastructure with Azerbaijan’s energy resources and strategic investment opportunities will create a resilient, self-sufficient economic power center capable of withstanding global shocks and jointly presenting products to foreign markets. This model will also serve as an inclusive and encouraging example for regional countries.
– What further steps are planned in the normalization process between Türkiye and Armenia?
– The Türkiye–Armenia normalization process is progressing step by step based on mutual trust. Concrete steps have been taken, including railway initiatives, e-visa implementation, and increased flights. Additionally, progress has been made in projects such as the restoration of the Ani Bridge, and developments in the Azerbaijan–Armenia process also positively affect this normalization.
– When could the opening of the border with Armenia become possible?
– The opening of land borders between both Türkiye–Armenia and Azerbaijan–Armenia will be one of the most concrete outcomes of the ongoing peace and normalization processes in the region. Technical preparations are ongoing, and necessary infrastructure is being established. It is encouraging to see similar practices being implemented between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Recently, concrete steps between the two countries have accelerated the normalization process. As relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia strengthen, the normalization process between our country and Armenia will also progress more rapidly.
Photo - Ilkin Nabiyev ©️APA GROUP
