On 15 June, the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the territories of Nagorno-Karabakh where he signed a Declaration on Allied Relations with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev in the city of Shusha. 

“The Shusha declaration signed between Turkey and Azerbaijan covers several issues. After taking many steps in the future, we see that it reflects a determination that covers not only the two countries but the entire region,” Erdogan stated. “The declaration envisages joint efforts to reshape and modernise our Armed Forces in accordance with modern requirements, implement measures to strengthen defence capabilities and military security, increase the joint capacity of the two countries' armed forces, [and] closely cooperate in the management of modern weapons and ammunition. Emphasis is placed on ensuring the coherent functioning of structures and institutions. [This] also includes regular joint meetings of the Security Councils of the two countries on national security issues, in which regional and international security issues affecting national interests are discussed,” he stated. 

A very important aspect of the declaration reads that in the case of threat or aggression by a third country or countries against the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, inviolability or security of internationally recognised borders of any of the parties, it is envisaged to hold joint consultations to develop initiatives in accordance with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter to eliminate this threat or aggression, supporting each other in accordance with the UN Charter, and organisation of the coordinated activity of power and management structures of the Armed Forces will be considered.

The declaration also calls on the parties to resolutely support the efforts directed to uncover the archives regarding the 1915 events and to have historians conduct investigations in this regard. Erdogan also spoke on the Zangezur corridor, saying that it would be built. He noted that a new common corridor would be opened with the implementation of this project and that everyone from the East to the West will be able to use it. “This has great importance in itself. Despite the pandemic, we continue our joint efforts to advance our cooperation in every field- from agriculture to energy, from transport to tourism, from defence to education and culture.” 

The Turkish President also made an appeal to Armenia from Shusha, saying that Turkey wants to change its geographical neighbourhood relations to form deeper cooperation. “Peace will be established in the region with the steps to be taken [on] this issue. It is our greatest wish that this historic opportunity is not missed with unrealistic desires, speeches, and deeds. Everyone who wants to benefit from the new situation in the region should give up the policy of hatred and incitement and promote peace and cooperation. When such a climate is formed, we say at every opportunity that we will do our part to normalise relations with Armenia,” he stressed.

Another important point of Erdogan’s speech was regarding the process of reconstructing the Karabakh settlements. “A tense work is underway regarding infrastructure. On one side roads are established, on the other side power stations are opened, on another side, high-voltage lines are established. Currently, all of these works continue rapidly and God willing the region will also rejoin with airports in a short time. My dear brother spoke about it to me in a bilateral meeting too. After rejoining with airports, arrivals and departures to here will further increase. I believe that the region will achieve a serious leap in tourism too. Karabakh will regain its former glory, I do not have any doubt. We will soon see together the days when the ancient settlements of Karabakh, such as Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Zangilan, Gubadli, Lachin, Kalbajar, Khojavend, are redeveloped,” he said.

Aliyev called the present day historic. “I greet the President of Turkey on behalf of the entire Azerbaijani people in Shusha. The document signed today raises our relations to the highest level. The alliance agreement speaks for itself,” he stated. “The signed document contains a reference to the Treaty of Kars and this document determines our policy for the future. It reflects all aspects of bilateral relations, but especially these are issues in the field of the defence industry and mutual military assistance. This shows that we will always be together and will support each other's security,” Aliyev stressed.