The second Trilateral Ministerial Meeting on Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Transport between Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan was held on January 29, 2025, in Ankara. The opening speeches were delivered by Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, and Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu. Following the meeting, the foreign ministers of the three countries held a joint press conference.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Ankara Declaration was issued, marking a significant step in strengthening economic cooperation and regional integration among the three leading countries of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). The document reaffirmed the parties’ commitment to enhancing cooperation on regional and international issues of shared interest and priority. It also emphasized their collective stance against any actions that undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of their states.
“Emphasis on the Development of New Infrastructure Projects”
The declaration expressed the commitment of the countries to fully realize the potential for cooperation in economy, trade, investment, logistics, and transit transportation. The Ankara Declaration reiterated the shared will to develop transportation infrastructure along the Middle Corridor, promote digitalization, and facilitate trade flow. Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan underscored the importance of developing new infrastructure projects, particularly in transport, border crossings, and digitalizing customs procedures, to enhance the capacity and competitiveness of the Middle Corridor. Additionally, the countries agreed on the digitalization of transport documentation, which will expedite and simplify cargo transportation. In this context, the UN’s efforts to implement the eCMR system, aimed at improving logistics processes between Turkic states, were acknowledged.
The declaration reaffirmed the parties’ full support for advancing connectivity projects, including the development of the Baku International Sea Trade Port and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of the Middle Corridor. Ministers emphasized the necessity of modernizing infrastructure along the Middle Corridor, harmonizing customs procedures, and eliminating trade barriers.
The declaration also noted the parties’ satisfaction with the adoption of an Action Plan annexed to the statement, aimed at strengthening cooperation in transportation, enhancing regional connectivity, and developing sustainable transport systems. The three countries also agreed to collaborate on regional transportation, communication, and infrastructure development and to exchange experiences in the design, construction, and operation of railways, highways, logistics centers, and airports.
“Reaffirmation of the Importance of Contribution to Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Efforts”
One of the key provisions of the declaration is the commitment to assisting Azerbaijan in its reconstruction efforts in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. These regions, liberated as a result of the Second Karabakh War, require extensive rebuilding, and both Türkiye and Uzbekistan have expressed their willingness to participate in investment projects in these areas. Particular emphasis was placed on demining operations, which are crucial for the safe return of residents and the development of infrastructure.
The declaration noted: “The parties reaffirmed the importance of contributing to reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in Azerbaijan’s Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur regions, liberated from occupation, by investing in infrastructure, modern public services, and smart city solutions, thereby facilitating the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons, including through demining efforts.”
The declaration also covered cooperation in energy, food security, and environmental issues. Discussions included projects in sustainable agriculture, food processing, and the establishment of reliable supply chains. A vital component of the agreement is cooperation in environmental protection and climate change mitigation. Among the key initiatives are a UN project for the protection of the Aral Sea region and support for afforestation programs and the “Zero Waste” concept. The parties decided to enhance cooperation and exchange knowledge and experience in environmental protection, climate change, and urbanization, particularly by promoting the implementation of the UN General Assembly resolution declaring the Aral Sea Region as a zone of ecological innovations and technologies.
“Importance of the Trans-Afghan Railway Project Highlighted”
The Ankara Declaration emphasized that lasting peace, stability, prosperity, security, and socio-economic development in Afghanistan are crucial for ensuring security in Central Asia. It also stressed the importance of continued international humanitarian aid for the Afghan people. The declaration stated: “(The parties) reaffirmed their belief that the outcomes of the OTS Working Group on Afghanistan, established following the Declaration of the 11th OTS Summit held in Bishkek on November 6, 2024, would contribute to formulating a common approach by OTS member states toward Afghanistan. They also highlighted the importance of the Trans-Afghan Railway Project, which will enhance interregional transportation and economic connectivity, increase trade flows, and create new opportunities for interregional economic relations.”
“Ceasefire in Gaza Welcomed”
The declaration noted that the parties discussed the situation in the Middle East and welcomed the declaration of a ceasefire in Gaza. It further stated: “(The parties) welcomed the ceasefire in Gaza, called for the immediate cessation of all attacks and atrocities, and urged all sides to strictly adhere to the ceasefire, ensuring unrestricted access to humanitarian aid for Palestinians. They also reiterated their call for a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on a two-state solution, with an independent, sovereign, and geographically contiguous Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the 1967 borders. Moreover, they welcomed the UN General Assembly’s resolution of May 10, 2024, recognizing Palestine’s eligibility for UN membership and affirming that it should be granted full membership.”
Geopolitical Challenges and International Cooperation
During the negotiations, ministers also discussed international political issues, including conflicts in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Afghanistan. They reaffirmed their support for a peaceful resolution of the Ukrainian crisis, efforts to stabilize Afghanistan, and the implementation of the “two-state solution” for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.
Moreover, the parties welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza and called on all sides to strictly adhere to it while ensuring unrestricted humanitarian aid access for Palestinians.
The next trilateral ministerial meeting is scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan in 2025, underscoring the continuation of active dialogue and mutual cooperation. The Ankara Declaration has undoubtedly laid a strong foundation for a long-term partnership between these three nations, creating new opportunities for economic growth and integration into global trade and transport networks.