Four years have passed since the signing of the Shusha Declaration, a landmark agreement that elevated Türkiye-Azerbaijan relations to the level of a strategic alliance, heralding a new era of cooperation and solidarity between the two nations.
On June 15, 2021, in the historic city of Shusha, the cultural heart of Azerbaijan and a symbol of Karabakh, Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye and Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan signed the “Shusha Declaration on Allied Relations Between the Republic of Türkiye and the Republic of Azerbaijan.” This pivotal document formalized the deep-rooted brotherhood between the two countries, proclaiming their alliance to the world and setting a roadmap for enhanced collaboration across multiple domains.
The Shusha Declaration stands as the first bilateral agreement explicitly referring to the “alliance” between Türkiye and Azerbaijan. It underscores a mutual commitment to unwavering support on critical issues, including within international and regional organizations. The declaration outlines ambitious goals to advance cooperation in fields such as defense, military technology, energy, transportation, economic ties, and humanitarian initiatives.
A cornerstone of the agreement is the pledge to act jointly in the face of any threat or attack against the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, or internationally recognized borders of either nation. This commitment not only strengthens bilateral ties but also serves as a robust guarantee of regional stability, signaling that any aggression in the region will not be tolerated.
Beyond bilateral relations, the Shusha Declaration carries broader significance for regional cooperation and the Turkic world. It emphasizes joint efforts to promote the development of the Turkic world, enhance its global presence, and preserve and promote Turkic cultural heritage on an international stage. The declaration reflects a shared vision of fostering integration and solidarity across the Turkic community, reinforcing cultural and historical bonds.
President Erdoğan described the Shusha Declaration as a “roadmap for a new era in Türkiye-Azerbaijan relations.” Over the past four years, this vision has translated into tangible steps toward regional peace, solidarity, and development. The agreement has paved the way for concrete initiatives, from joint infrastructure projects to strengthened defense collaborations, further solidifying the alliance.
A Symbolic Date: Azerbaijan’s National Salvation Day
The signing of the Shusha Declaration on June 15 holds special significance, as it coincides with Azerbaijan’s National Salvation Day, commemorating the return to power of the late President Heydar Aliyev. This date now carries a dual meaning in Azerbaijan, celebrated not only as a day of national pride but also as the moment when the alliance with Türkiye was formalized through the Shusha Declaration.
As the declaration marks its fourth anniversary, it continues to symbolize the unbreakable bond between Türkiye and Azerbaijan. It stands as a testament to their shared commitment to regional stability, mutual prosperity, and the advancement of the Turkic world, setting a powerful example of unity and cooperation on the global stage.
The Shusha Declaration remains a beacon of hope for a future defined by peace, progress, and an ever-deepening partnership between two brotherly nations.
