Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey Triangle: The Main Features of Cooperation

The South Caucasus region has often been associated with negative developments such as military occupation, separatism and militarization. It is also, however, a region with a high level of cooperation and solidarity. Intra-regional cooperation, such as the trilateral relations between Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey, Azerbaijan-TurkmenistanTurkey, and Azerbaijan-Iran-Turkey offer opportunities for regional cooperation and diplomatic resolution of regional problems. Among these, the Azerbaijan-GeorgiaTurkey (AGT) triangle is the most functional; the relationship is built on interdependence and supported by trade and transportation relations. The AGT emerged as a result of the regional geopolitical balance and energy relations, but rapidly developed after the 2008 Georgian-Russian War. The first trilateral meeting among the Ministries of Foreign Affairs took place in 2012. The Ministers of Foreign Affairs have now held four meetings, all of which have resulted in adoption of joint declarations. All these declarations cover issues relating to economy, energy, transportation and security. Meetings of the triangle reached a presidential level. This paper examines the reasons and dynamics behind the evolution of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey in the 1990s into a trilateral strategic relationship, and the priority areas that have deepened and enhanced this trilateral partnership.

Authors: Javid Valiyev
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