Turkish expert on Azerbaijan's role in region and what Ankara expects Yerevan to do

How would you assess the results of the recent Baku symposium of international relations scholars?

This is an extremely important conference. This is a very important event just like its venue in terms of demonstrating Azerbaijan’s role and potential to the world especially given the decision to hold such events annually.

The main focus of the conference was South Caucasus and Azerbaijan’s role. What can you say about this?

Today Azerbaijan plays a very important role in the region. And it is entirely appropriate. Energy is a key factor in the South Caucasus and in this regard, the South Caucasus and Azerbaijan are of great importance for the world and for the energy security problem, which faces the world. Therefore, I am quite convinced that attention to this region, which increased in recent years, will only grow also towards Azerbaijan, the most significant country in the region. It is not accidental at all. And energy sector is not the main point here. Azerbaijan is the most dynamic country in the region.
 
Turkey is a major partner of Azerbaijan in implementation of regional initiatives. Baku and Ankara have openly declared that no project can be implemented in the region without involvement of these countries. In this context, how do you assess the current level of bilateral cooperation between the two countries?

I asses them extremely high. It would be very difficult to implement any project in the region without participation or consent of our two countries, and even if someone tries to do it, this project is unlikely to be effective. And it is no accident, since Azerbaijan and Turkey are reliable for each other and efficiently defend mutual interests. Therefore, increasing bilateral cooperation will continue to be of fundamental importance for the further development of the region.
 
What, in your opinion, are the prospects for the resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which is the main obstacle in the development of our region?
 
Everyone knows that Turkey puts a lot of pressure on its allies in this respect. We say that we have no claims to Armenia if this country abandons its baseless claims to Azerbaijan and Turkey. We are ready to do everything we can to ensure regional cooperation.
 
The solution of such issues entails acquiescence and compromise. However, Armenia does not make any compromise. There is a neglect of international law, and it occurs in the eyes of the world and international organizations. Armenia continues to openly defy opinion of international community. We would like to see Yerevan to express good intentions. God forbid, we will see it case of the Karabakh conflict settlement.
 
And how soon do you think Armenia and Turkey would normalize relations?
 
Turkish president and prime minister have reiterated on many occasions that we have no problems with Armenia and it is enough that this country takes steps towards resolving the Karabakh conflict and fulfills the conditions contained in the protocols signed with Turkey. So, we are ready to normalize relations with Armenia and expect the same from Armenia.


/Day.Az/