Azernews.Az

Rena Murshud

Read more

On December 14, Turkiye's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu met with journalists and discussed the Azerbaijani-Armenian relations, as well as the protest on the Khankandi-Shusha road, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency.

"Azerbaijan and Turkiye are sincere about the normalization of relations with Armenia. Armenia should also take sincere steps. A peace agreement should be signed as soon as possible," Mevlut Cavusoglu told journalists.

He emphasized that talks between Ankara and Yerevan are still ongoing through special representatives.

"Some steps have been taken regarding the opening of our airspace and cargo transportation for the formation of an atmosphere of trust. After that, everyone should take steps. Armenia should also take a sincere step. They should respond sincerely to our sincere position," Cavusoglu said.

According to the minister, regional countries should take steps to promote peace and stability in the South Caucasus.

"This is what is important. Turkiye is allied with Azerbaijan. With the Shusha Declaration, we became an official ally. It is quite natural for us to carry out military exercises, cooperation, and joint educational programs. They are not a threat to anyone," Cavusoglu stressed.

Mevlut Cavusoglu also touched upon the protest on the Khankandi-Shusha road, stating that the task of the Russian peacekeepers in the territory of Azerbaijan's Karabakh is to ensure peace and prevent the robbery of Azerbaijan's wealth.

"The Russian peacekeepers have a mission in the Lachin corridor. But, on the other hand, the misappropriation of natural resources on Azerbaijani lands doesn’t comply with international law. This is the theft of Azerbaijan’s wealth," the Turkish foreign minister said.

He said that the refusal to let Azerbaijani experts monitor the illegally exploited natural deposits in areas under the control of the Russian peacekeeping contingent runs against the national laws of the country.

“The main task here lies with the Russians. Because they are responsible for the normal functioning of the Lachin corridor. They must fulfill their commitments,” he noted.

According to Cavusoglu, Azerbaijan is right on this matter.

“Therefore, we support Azerbaijan in this fair struggle,” the minister concluded.

---

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz