One nation, two states

Azerbaijan and Turkey, the two states, which enjoy the wealthiest cultural riches among Turkic nations, demonstrate today a strategic partnership under the motto “one nation, two states”. This partnership is sourced from a lot of similarities and common values. Similarities of both countries in language, religion, tradition and psychology have strongly impacted mutual tangible and intangible relationships of the two states throughout history.   

Turkey was the first state having recognized the Republic of Azerbaijan that declared its independence after Soviet Union collapsed. On November 9, 1991, Turkey officially recognized Azerbaijan’s independence and on January 14, 1992 diplomatic relations were established between these two states.

Favorable opportunities were created for development of relations in different directions after Azerbaijan gained independence. However, Azerbaijan’s suitable geopolitical position, various interests of Russia, Iran and Armenia in Azerbaijan, in particular Russia’s efforts to keep Azerbaijan under its influence caused a short-term coldness in Azerbaijan-Turkey relations in the first years of independence. But the return of great leader Heydar Aliyev to the power and the balanced political strategy he pursued restored the historically strong cooperation between the two countries and laid the foundation of strategic cooperation.

Nowadays, the two friendly and brotherly countries develop relations in political, economic, social, military, humanitarian and other fields. In august 2010, Agreement of Strategic Partnership and Mutual Assistance was signed between the two countries as part of the visit of the Turkish President to Azerbaijan. In September the same year Joint Declaration on Instituting the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council was adopted in the 10th summit of Turkic Speaking States Union in Istanbul. These documents strengthened the legal basis to deeper development of bilateral relations.

Thus, historical similarities of religion, language and tradition between Azerbaijan and Turkey contribute today to the development of cultural, political and economic relations between these countries. Relationships between the two brotherly states are developing in all spheres.