“The Azerbaijan-Türkiye alliance serves as a model. The international community appreciates the effective implementation of initiatives between Turkic states, particularly between Azerbaijan and Türkiye. We must preserve this unity,” stated Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Board of the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center), during a seminar titled “Azerbaijan-Türkiye Alliance and the Future of Eurasia” held at the Social Sciences University of Ankara.

Farid Shafiyev highlighted the institutional development of the Organization of Turkic States since the signing of the Nakhchivan Agreement, noting that it has gradually transformed into a respected international organization with well-functioning and effective structures.Addressing the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Shafiyev emphasized that there is currently de facto peace in the region, and efforts are ongoing to transform it into de jure peace.

“However, there are several obstacles in this direction. The Constitution of Armenia still contains territorial claims against Azerbaijan. It should be noted that there are also similar territorial claims against Türkiye. Armenia should remove constitutional provisions that assert territorial claims against its neighbors. There are similar international precedents, such as the 1998 Belfast Agreement and the case of North Macedonia, which could serve as a basis for making relevant amendments to the Constitution of Armenia."

Regarding the role of the Armenian diaspora in the peace process, he noted that while there may appear to be differences between the diaspora and the Armenian government, there are also instances in which their actions are coordinated. This alignment, he suggested, can pose additional challenges to advancing lasting peace and normalization in the region.

“The path to peace for Armenia lies through the normalization of its relations with Azerbaijan and Türkiye,” he stressed.

To recap, as part of the AIR Center delegation’s visit to Türkiye, meetings were held at the Social Sciences University of Ankara, during which prospects for cooperation and topics of mutual interest between the two institutions were discussed.