Baku: The 12th meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkey was held in Baku on December 22. A one-on-one meeting between Azerbaijan's Prime Minister Ali Asadov and Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz was first held, followed by discussions in an expanded format.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Ali Asadov and Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz and attended by representatives of relevant state authorities from both countries. Prime Minister Asadov highlighted the strong bonds of friendship and brotherhood between Azerbaijan and Turkey, underscoring the significance of the historic Shusha Declaration signed by the Presidents of the two countries in 2021, which elevated their relations to a high level of alliance.
The meeting emphasized the frequent reciprocal visits by the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Turkey this year as a testament to the high-level political dialogue between the two nations. The opening ceremony of the "Azerbaijan" quarter in Kahramanmaras and President Erdogan's attendance at the military parade in Baku were highlighted as manifestations of their close ties.
Both parties praised the traditional cooperation and mutual support within international organizations, particularly emphasizing the importance of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). The 12th Summit of OTS was held in Gabala, with Azerbaijan assuming the chairmanship. The meeting noted the establishment of a new format for meetings of Heads of Government/Vice President, with Azerbaijan set to host in 2026.
Economic and trade relations were a focal point, with Turkey recognized as a major trade partner of Azerbaijan. The Preferential Trade Agreement's results were reviewed, and both parties expressed a commitment to expanding its framework, praising the current level of cooperation in investment.
The energy sector's joint projects were also highlighted for their regional and global importance. The strategic role of the Southern Gas Corridor was noted, with Azerbaijan now exporting gas to 14 countries. The Igdir-Nakhchivan pipeline's commissioning was recognized for enhancing regional energy security.
In the transport sector, cooperation in cargo transportation and the development of the Middle Corridor were stressed. The Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway's capacity expansion was noted, alongside the strategic importance of the Zangezur Corridor and the Kars-Igdir-Aralik-Dilucu railway line.
Humanitarian relations were also prioritized, with the Trkiye-Azerbaijan University and the new branch of the Turkish Anatolian Lyceum in Baku cited as examples of successful educational cooperation. Efforts in environmental protection and climate change were discussed, with Azerbaijan pledging support for Turkey's hosting of COP31.
The meeting concluded with the signing of a protocol and approval of a 110-provision Action Plan for bilateral cooperation by Prime Minister Asadov and Vice President Yilmaz.