Home Arrow FAQs Arrow What is the current relationship between Azerbaijan and Turkey?

What is the current relationship between Azerbaijan and Turkey?

Turning to the current relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey, we observe a strategic partnership, a deep-rooted partnership grounded in shared culture, and growing cooperation in political, military, and economic domains. As often presented by the countries “one nation, two states”, the Azerbaijan–Turkey alliance is further strengthening in 2024.

Historical and cultural ties

Turkey and Azerbaijan have shared Turkic heritage, similar language and strong cultural affinity. These common roots have established a natural bond that has been further strengthened in both regional and international matters. Azerbaijan considers Turkey to be a great ally while Turkey constantly champions Azerbaijan in the world.

Political alliance

Diplomatic ties between the two countries are strong and active, with frequent high-level exchanges and mutual support on international platforms. High level state visits are a constant feature and the governments publicly declare solidarity for various platforms, the United Nations, Organization of Turkic States and Non Aligned Movement.

Turkey was the first country to recognize the independence of Azerbaijan when the Soviet Union collapsed, in 1991. Political cooperation, since has multiplied tremendously. In 2021, the two states signed the Shusha Declaration in the city of Shusha—recently retaken by Azerbaijan during the Karabakh conflict. The declaration not only symbolizes unity but also outlines commitments to mutual defense, and cooperation in education, sports, media, and regional connectivity.

Military cooperation

Military cooperation is the cornerstone of the relations of Azerbaijan and Turkey. Turkey’s support played a significant role in Azerbaijan’s military operations to regain control over parts of Nagorno-Karabakh during the 2020 conflict.

Conceptual drills between allied forces are underway, and defense companies of Turkey are involved in the process of modernizing Azerbaijan’s military. The Shusha Declaration also provides mutual defense and military cooperation commitments.

However, the close military ties between Turkey and Azerbaijan—especially after the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War—have raised concerns among neighboring countries. Armenia views the alliance with apprehension, while Iran has repeatedly expressed unease about Turkish military presence and exercises near its northern border.

Economic and energy partnerships

Trade and energy relationships between Azerbaijan and Turkey are ever increasing. Azerbaijan is a key regional energy exporter, Turkey is a consumer and also a transit country. Key energy projects include:

  • Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline – Caspian sea oil to Mediterranean.
  • Trans – Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) – the pipeline for the delivery of Azerbaijani gas into Europe through the territory of Turkey.

Beside energy, bilateral trade volume is also growing, with targets to reach more than $15 billion per year soon. Turkish companies undertake infrastructure, construction and telecommunications projects in Azerbaijan.

Cultural and educational exchange

Culture and education are closely coupled together. Azerbaijani students study in Turkey in large numbers, and there are partnerships between Azerbaijan and the Turkish universities. Cultural centers foster shared learning of language and preservation of history.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the existing relationship between Azerbaijan and Turkey is a strategic brotherhood based on the common history, similar interests and future oriented cooperation. The partnership between such Turkic countries extends beyond military relations, energy ventures and diplomatic backing and is still very robust that continues to develop in 2024.

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