The meeting of the foreign ministers of Turkey, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan in Ankara has drew a wide response in the Turkish media, which described the cooperation of the three countries beneficial for the whole region.
According to the Turkish Anadolu news agency, a trilateral mechanism of cooperation between Turkey, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan has made significant contributions to the prosperity and stability of the region.
It was stated on Tuesday by Turkye’s Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoglu at a joint press conference following a meeting with colleagues from Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan Jeyhun Bayramov and Rashid Meredov in Ankara.
“Our relationships built on special bonds have turned into a comprehensive partnership today. This trilateral mechanism, which we initiated in 2014, has made a significant contribution to the prosperity and stability of the region,” Çavuşoglu said.
Underlining that the meeting had been fruitful, Çavuşoglu said the delegations reviewed the steps they had taken so far and voiced important ideas and proposals for the future.
According to him, Turkey wants to work closely with Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan as part of its “Asia Anew” initiative. Ankara launched the initiative in 2019 to improve ties with Asian countries in various areas.
The ministers also discussed and determined a roadmap for an upcoming trilateral summit of the presidents of the three countries to be held in Turkmenistan, Çavuşoglu added.
During the press conference, Çavuşoglu also spoke about the “brutal competition” across the world for COVID-19 vaccines. “Turkey, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan will continue their solidarity as three sister countries, while continuing the common struggle,” he underlined.
Çavuşoglu said on Twitter, adding that cooperation between the three countries would “continue to increase in every field including transportation and energy.”
The head of the MFA of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov said joint exploration and development of hydrocarbons in the Dostluk field in the Caspian Sea between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan would provide a positive contribution to the energy security of Turkey and other European countries.
The head of the MFA of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov hailed the trilateral gathering as a “historic meeting”, noting that Turkey and Azerbaijan have always supported Ashgabat’s initiatives in the international arena.
“Our Turkish and Azerbaijani brothers always support the initiatives put forward by the President of Turkmenistan. We are hopeful that it will continue so in the future,” he said.
He emphasized that the three “brotherly” countries share a common culture, history, language, and civilization Turkmenistan, Turkey and Azerbaijan will work on furthering cooperation between Turkmenistan, Turkey and Azerbaijan in energy, transportation, technology, trade and other fields, Meredov added.
Meredov said that they already started preparations for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s visit to Turkmenistan this year.
On outcomes of the 5th trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Turkey, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, a Joint Declaration was signed. The document emphasized the importance of the trilateral mechanism to enhance multilateral cooperation opportunities.
The parties agreed to strengthen trade and economic cooperation, as well as to use their existing potential to encourage investment and trade, and to carry out joint projects and programs including energy, transportation, agriculture, tourism and the environment, the Turkish media informs.