Shusha Declaration: Azerbaijan and Türkiye mark 5th anniversary of historic agreement

Shusha Declaration: Azerbaijan and Türkiye mark 5th anniversary of historic agreement
Presidents of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sign the Shusha Declaration in Shusha, Azerbaijan, 15 June 2021.
Report.az

Monday 15th June, marks the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Shusha Declaration, a landmark agreement that formally elevated relations between Azerbaijan and Türkiye to the level of an alliance and further strengthened the long-standing ties between the two nations.

Signed in 2021 in the historic city of Shusha by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the declaration is widely regarded as one of the most significant political documents in the modern history of bilateral relations.

The agreement was concluded several months after the end of the 44-day war in 2020, during a period of major political and economic change across the South Caucasus.

Against this backdrop, the declaration established a comprehensive framework for cooperation and outlined a shared vision for regional peace, security and development.

The anniversary also comes as Azerbaijan continues to emphasise regional peace and stability.

In an address to participants of the international conference "Regional Contribution to Global Security: Peacebuilding in the South Caucasus" held in Shusha on Monday, President Ilham Aliyev said: "Our country is pursuing a resolute policy towards establishing and maintaining a lasting environment of peace and stability in the region."

Strengthening security and defence ties

At its core, the document reaffirmed the close partnership between Azerbaijan and Türkiye, often described by leaders of both countries as “one nation, two states”.

It strengthened cooperation across a wide range of areas, including defence, security, foreign policy, transport, energy, trade and education.

One of the declaration’s most notable provisions concerns mutual security cooperation.

The agreement created a stronger legal foundation for defence collaboration and enhanced coordination between the two countries on matters relating to regional stability and national security.

Driving regional cooperation and growth

Beyond defence, the declaration has also played an important role in expanding economic ties. Over the past five years, Azerbaijan and Türkiye have deepened cooperation in strategic sectors, particularly energy and transport.

Major regional projects linking Asia and Europe have further highlighted the growing importance of the partnership.

Political analysts view the Shusha Declaration as more than a bilateral agreement. It is increasingly seen as a strategic roadmap that has helped shape a new framework for cooperation in the South Caucasus, encouraging greater connectivity and supporting long-term development initiatives across the region.

As Azerbaijan and Türkiye commemorate the fifth anniversary of the declaration, officials in both countries continue to describe it as a cornerstone of their allied relationship and a key instrument for promoting stability, prosperity and closer integration in the years ahead.

Five years on, the document remains a powerful symbol of the enduring friendship between the two countries and their shared commitment to building a secure and prosperous future for the region.

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