Erdoğan urges calm to protect ties with Russia and Azerbaijan

Reuters
Reuters

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has urged restraint between Russia and Azerbaijan, emphasizing Türkiye’s strategic ties with both nations and the importance of avoiding lasting tensions.

Speaking aboard his return flight from Azerbaijan, President Erdoğan called on Moscow and Baku to act with restraint amid recent tensions, stressing that Türkiye maintains strong and strategic relations with both. He expressed hope that no unfortunate incidents would inflict lasting harm on these ties.

Erdoğan hailed the peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan as a gateway to historic opportunities and emphasized the strategic importance of the Zangezur Corridor, calling it a "geo-economic revolution" that could reshape regional connectivity from China to Türkiye and Russia.

He noted that Armenia, once opposed to the corridor, is now adopting a more flexible stance toward regional integration. On the stalled F-35 jet delivery from the U.S., Erdoğan voiced confidence that President Trump would honor the agreement and resume the transfer during his term.

He added that the issue goes beyond defense—it reflects Türkiye’s commitment to strong alliances within platforms like NATO.

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