Aydin Mirzazade

- What can you say about the latest developments around the Azerbaijani-Turkish relations in the light of normalization of the Ankara-Yerevan ties and incidents with the state flags of Azerbaijan and Turkey?

- Time has proved that the Azerbaijani-Turkish relations still rely on principles of friendship. History shows that even the closest allies may occasionally have some small problems or misunderstandings. Any tensions are out of the question in the Azerbaijani-Turkish relations. Azerbaijan has simply voiced its concerns over the signing of the Armenian-Turkish protocols that envisage possible opening of borders. This coincided with the well known incident with flags in Azerbaijan and Turkey. Meanwhile, both countries’ leaderships and peoples could confirm the good nature of bilateral relations which is rejoicing.

- Anyway, this may leave a bad taste in Azerbaijan’s mouth in the sense of further trust to Turkey that is striving to normalize relations with Armenia.

- No, it is the other way round. Azerbaijan has no claims. There are just good expectations from Turkey, a fraternal country for us. The Turkish leadership has repeatedly stated on the highest level that it will always be by Azerbaijan’s side. And the events proved that Turkey continues to be a loyal ally for Azerbaijan on the designated issue. This is proven by the statements of the Turkish president and the prime minister, leaders of the Turkish delegations who visited Baku these days. Anyway, the decision to be passed by the Turkish parliament will allow to judge about the sincerity of these statements.

- How will Azerbaijan react to the possible ratification of protocols by the Turkish parliament and how can it affect the further relations between Ankara and Baku?

- I hope it will never happen and we will never have to comment on that.

- The Azerbaijani president has recently stated that Baku is obliged to seek alternative routes after seeing no compromise from Turkey during gas negotiations. Don’t you consider that this position is a continuation of the conflict?

- No, I think this is merely a commercial issue. Both Turkish and other variants can be considered in this sense. And the government, taking into account its economic interests, can choose the most favorable variant and we would like Turkey to be such a favorable variant.

- Will our relations be affected if no compromise is found?

- In such case the Azerbaijani-Turkish relations will not cool or become hostile. Azerbaijan and Turkey are close countries with close interests and our peoples have sufficient possibilities to remove any differences.  

F.M.
News.Az