Türkiye stands by Azerbaijan: President Erdogan
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed Türkiye's support for Azerbaijan's just cause in Karabakh and stated that the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia is not impossible.
Türkiye has always been a supporter of Azerbaijan's just cause in Karabakh and will do its utmost for the establishment of peace in the South Caucasus, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters on his private plane after his visit to Nakhchivan.
"During our meeting with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, we had the opportunity to discuss many bilateral and regional issues. We particularly emphasized the latest situation in Karabakh and reiterated our strong support for Azerbaijan's just cause. I would like to congratulate Azerbaijan once again for its historic success in the anti-terrorist operation," Erdogan said.
"I also told Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian that we do not see any problem that cannot be solved if Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, sovereignty, and neighborhood law are respected. Progress in the Azerbaijan-Armenia process will also give a great impetus to regional normalization. We will continue to work with Azerbaijan for the establishment of stability, peace, and prosperity in the South Caucasus," he added.
'ZANGEZUR CORRIDOR SHOULD BE OPENED'
President Erdogan also answered the questions about Iran causing more problems than Armenia regarding the Zangezur Corridor and made an assessment of the future of the Zangezur Corridor after Azerbaijan's victory in Karabakh.
"Our direct connection with Nakhchivan and other regions of Azerbaijan through land and railway lines will make our relations stronger. For this reason, we will do our best to open this corridor as soon as possible. The realization of this corridor, which is very important for Türkiye and Azerbaijan, is a strategic issue and must be completed. When this corridor is opened, a vehicle or train leaving Baku will be able to come directly to Kars. Türkiye-Azerbaijan brotherhood will be much stronger. It is pleasing to hear positive signals from Iran on this issue," the Turkish President emphasized.
'EXISTENCE OF TRNC SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED'
The Turkish President drew attention to the recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) by the world states at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. To the question of the press members on this issue, he pointed out that the meeting of the Organisation of Turkic States is critical in this context.
"Recognition of the TRNC is the right option for all countries that want to ensure lasting peace and tranquility on the island of Cyprus. The realities of the island are obvious and the TRNC is the most concrete reality of Cyprus. For years, those who have tried to ignore the Turkish presence there have tried everything," he added.
Stating that Türkiye is doing its best for the recognition of the TRNC, Erdogan said that there is no other option in Cyprus other than a two-state solution. He also noted that Türkiye will never ignore the rights of the TRNC.
"It is time for the right step to erase all the wrongs. Recognition of the TRNC will compensate for the wrong steps taken by many parties, especially the European Union. The island of Cyprus deserves to be remembered with peace and tranquility, not tensions," Erdogan highlighted.
Source: Newsroom
