The Strategic Bond: Azerbaijan-Turkey Relations And Regional Security In The South Caucasus – OpEd

The South Caucasus, a region historically shaped by empires, shifting borders, and ethnic complexities, today finds itself at the heart of a new geopolitical dynamic.

At the center of this evolution stands the deepening alliance between Azerbaijan and Türkiye—two nations bound not only by historical and cultural ties but also by a shared vision for peace, stability, and development. As the fourth anniversary of the Shusha Declaration happened, it is timely to reflect on the transformative impact of this bilateral relationship on regional security and international diplomacy.

A Landmark declaration: Shusha as a Turning Point

June 15, 2021, marked a pivotal moment in the regional political landscape when Azerbaijan and Türkiye signed the Shusha Declaration. Emerging in the aftermath of the Second Karabakh War, the declaration solidified an already robust partnership and institutionalized a framework of cooperation across military, defense, energy, transport, and humanitarian fields. Notably, it emphasized mutual support in the event of threats to sovereignty or territorial integrity—an unmistakable signal to allies and adversaries alike.

The Shusha Declaration not only elevated military coordination but also sent a broader message of unity. By pledging to act jointly in times of external aggression, both nations reinforced their roles as stabilizing forces in the South Caucasus. This strategic alignment has since become a cornerstone of regional diplomacy and deterrence, particularly in light of the ongoing uncertainties in the wider Middle East.

Shared History, Shared Vision

Türkiye and Azerbaijan share more than just geopolitical proximity. Their relationship is rooted in common linguistic, cultural, and religious foundations. Since Azerbaijan’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the two nations have nurtured a bond that transcends transactional diplomacy. From the early days of independence to the modern energy and defense collaborations, their partnership has grown steadily stronger.

This alignment is reflected not only in official agreements but also in symbolic gestures of solidarity. A recent and powerful example was the opening of the “Azerbaijan” neighborhood in Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye, on June 19, 2025. Built by the Azerbaijani government after the 2023 earthquake, the neighborhood stands as a living testament to the countries’ fraternal bond. During the ceremony, Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan exchanged warm remarks emphasizing unity and brotherhood. Erdoğan lauded Azerbaijan for its generous support, while Aliyev reinforced that “you have 10 million brothers in Azerbaijan,” underscoring the emotional depth of the partnership.

Diplomacy Beyond Bilateralism: A New Chapter with Armenia?

On June 20, 2025, a significant diplomatic gesture occurred when Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan visited Türkiye at the invitation of President Erdoğan. Given the fraught history between Armenia and Türkiye, this meeting marked a potential breakthrough in regional diplomacy. In the context of Azerbaijan-Türkiye relations, Armenia’s step toward reconciliation could serve as a turning point for the South Caucasus as a whole. This initiative, possibly spurred by broader security concerns and shared interests in regional connectivity, signals an opportunity to shift from protracted animosities to constructive engagement.

Should Armenia strengthen its ties with Azerbaijan and, eventually, with Türkiye, the entire region stands to benefit from enhanced cooperation, trade, and integration into broader economic corridors. To do so Armenia, first needs to address two key issues which are the territorial claims against Azerbaijan enshrined in its constitution and official existence of de-facto defunct OSCE Minsk Group which prevents confidence-building between Azerbaijan and Armenia. 

The Strategic Geography of the Middle Corridor

The South Caucasus and Türkiye serve as essential hubs within the Middle Corridor—also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. This ambitious initiative connects China to Europe via Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus, and Türkiye, combining rail and maritime routes. It is not just a trade route; it is a strategic artery for global commerce, made even more vital in recent years due to the Russia-Ukraine war which has undermined the Northern Corridor’s viability.

The increased relevance of the Middle Corridor highlights the importance of regional stability. Azerbaijan and Türkiye, as key stakeholders in this logistical network, have a vested interest in fostering peace and infrastructure development across the Caucasus. With the additional instability brought on by the Iran-Israel conflict, the continuity of this route becomes even more crucial for ensuring uninterrupted east-west trade.

Geopolitical Tensions: The Iran-Israel Escalation and Regional Implications

The recent escalation between Iran and Israel casts a long shadow over the region. Both Türkiye and Azerbaijan share borders or close proximity to Iran and are, therefore, naturally positioned as key players in mitigating the conflict’s regional spillover.

Azerbaijan, which maintains diplomatic relations with both Iran and Israel with its strategic influence in both the Middle East and the Caucasus, is uniquely placed to encourage dialogue and de-escalation. Collaborative efforts of Azerbaijan and Türkiye in advocating for peace could set a precedent for a regional diplomacy driven not by power politics but by shared security concerns and pragmatic cooperation. Moreover, their capacity to manage regional tensions and diplomatic engagement enhances their credibility as peacebuilders in a volatile environment.

Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Responsibilities

The evolving Azerbaijani-Turkish partnership offers more than symbolic strength—it provides a strategic blueprint for regional order. As both countries extend their influence through development assistance, diplomatic outreach, and infrastructural initiatives, they also take on greater responsibilities. These include acting as intermediaries in conflict resolution, sustaining inclusive economic development, and reinforcing international norms. One cannot ignore the fact that peace in the South Caucasus will require more than bilateral will. It demands multilateral coordination, engagement with international organizations, and a commitment to dialogue from all stakeholders, including Armenia, Georgia, and external powers with interests in the region.

Conclusion: A Brotherhood That Shapes the Region

The Azerbaijani-Turkish alliance stands today not only as a model of bilateral cooperation but as a potential catalyst for a more peaceful, prosperous South Caucasus. The strategic and emotional depth of their relationship has matured into a multifaceted partnership with global implications. From rebuilding earthquake-hit cities to facilitating diplomatic openings and developing transcontinental trade routes, Azerbaijan and Türkiye are redefining the region’s future. As global challenges mount—from renewed conflicts to energy transitions—the stability of the South Caucasus depends heavily on visionary partnerships. The alliance between Baku and Ankara is one such vision—rooted in shared heritage, sustained by strategic necessity, and guided by a common purpose: peace and progress for the region and beyond.