Baku: The activities of Azerbaijani and Turkish think tanks are of great importance, and cooperation in this area continues, Chairman of the Center for Analysis of International Relations and Multiculturalism Farid Shafiyev said during his speech at the panel session titled 'Turkic World Dialogues: Common Future, Common Vision' held in Baku, APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Farid Shafiyev emphasized the importance of jointly combating disinformation, highlighting that Turkiye, Azerbaijan, and the countries of Central Asia are seeking to strengthen their independence. He pointed out that the military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkiye serves as an example for other states.

Farid Shafiyev noted that organized disinformation campaigns on various issues are being conducted against Azerbaijan-Turkiye unity. He mentioned the developments in the Middle East, citing organized disinformation against the brotherhood of Azerbaijan and Turkiye, particularly concerning the issue of Israel.

Shafiyev also recalled an incident from 12 years ago at the European Union's Eastern Partnership summit where the Armenian president made accusations against Turkiye. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev responded by asserting, "Turkiye is not here, but I am," emphasizing Azerbaijan's consideration of Turkiye's interests in Middle East matters.

He highlighted Azerbaijan's role in preventing an initiative regarding the so-called 'Armenian genocide' in the Israeli parliament and affirmed the country's ongoing mediation efforts. Shafiyev also referenced the aircraft crisis between Turkiye and Russia in 2015, noting Azerbaijan's mediating role during that period to help resolve the issue.

"When we undertake any mediation mission in the Middle East, we take Turkiye's interests into account. This has been the case and will continue to be so," Farid Shafiyev added.