At the invitation of H.E. Mr. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, Minister of Foreign Affairs
of the Republic of Turkey, and with participation of H.E. Mr. Jeyhun
Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and
H.E. Mr. Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, the
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan (hereinafter referred to as the
“Parties”) the Fifth Trilateral Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs
was held on 23 February 2021 in Ankara, the Republic of Turkey.
The Parties,
Affirmed their adherence to the joint statements adopted in the Trilateral
Meetings of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs on 26 May 2014 in Baku, on 29
January 2015 in Ashgabat, on 28 August 2015 in Antalya, and on 19 July 2017
in Baku.
Reaffirmed their mutual respect and firm support for sovereignty and
territorial integrity of the States of the Parties within their
internationally recognized borders.
Underlined their vision to create an inclusive space of peace, stability
and shared prosperity and recognized the importance of using the
Turkmenistan-Turkey-Azerbaijan trilateral mechanism to enhance the
prospects of multilateral cooperation.
Noted the importance of continued cooperation among the Republic of Turkey,
Republic of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan within the United Nations,
Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Organization of Security and
Cooperation in Europe, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO), Turkic Council, Economic Cooperation Organization
(ECO), International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY) and other
relevant regional and international organizations as well as fora, such as
Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process.
Underlined the importance of further strengthening of cooperation in the
fight against terrorism, separatism, extremism and discrimination in all
their forms and manifestations, transnational organized crime and illicit
trafficking in narcotic drugs and their precursors, arms and trafficking in
persons, crimes against cultural and historical heritage, cybercrimes and
irregular migration.
In this context, noted the importance of Organization of Islamic
Cooperation’s decision to mark March 15 as “International Solidarity Day
Against Islamophobia” and agreed on supporting all international efforts on
this issue.
Underlined the utmost importance of the forthcoming Trilateral Summit of
the Heads of States in Turkmenistan.
Noted the importance of strengthening trilateral economic cooperation, as
well as the legal basis for economic partnership among the States of the
Parties.
Agreed to support the further development of cooperation through
strengthening of the trade-economic cooperation, using existing potential
for promotion of investment and trade as well as carrying out joint
projects and programmes in the field of customs, energy, transport,
telecommunications, industry, agriculture, science, education, culture,
tourism, and environment.
Noted the importance of continuation of the existing cooperation between
small and medium sized enterprises of all three countries.
Resolved to continue and enhance their solidarity in tackling the Covid-19
pandemic including in supply of the coronavirus vaccine through mutual
medical assistance within their means and capabilities,
Affirmed their commitment to cooperation and coordination in containing the
Covid-19 pandemic and in managing its implications on social and economic
activities with a view to mitigating its adverse effects on particularly
international travel, trade and transportation,
Underscored the necessity of further strengthening the cooperation for
realization of new projects on development of transport infrastructure and
increasing the transit potential.
Underlined the significant efforts made to strengthen the transit potential
of their countries, including the “East-West” Trans Caspian Transport
Corridor and emphasized in this regard the importance of the effective
operation of maritime transport between the ports of Turkmenbashi
(Turkmenistan) and Alat (Azerbaijan).
Stressed the key role of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) Railway project as a
part of the Modern Silk Road in facilitating competitive transportation
between Asia and Europe and welcomed the preparations for the passenger
transportation via the BTK Railway.
Welcomed the entry into force of the Lapis Lazuli Transit and Transport
Cooperation Agreement, which aims at developing trade relations by
simplifying transportation and traffic in transit and constitutes a new
dimension for the regional connectivity.
Expressed the need to upgrade the existing infrastructure and to establish
favourable conditions for development of regional transport and trade.
Taking into account the contribution of infrastructure projects to the
prosperity and stability of the Caspian Region, emphasized the importance
of enhancing cooperation to ensure regional connectivity in transport and
energy.
Underlined the significance of partnership between the three countries in
the sphere of energy and reaffirmed their support for energy projects aimed
at the delivery of natural gas from Azerbaijan in increased volumes and of
energy sources from Turkmenistan to Turkey and the rest of Europe.
Welcomed the signing of the Memorandum between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan
for joint exploration and development of the hydrocarbon field named as
“Dostluk” in the Caspian Sea. In this regard, expressed their readiness to
conclude joint projects for the development and delivery of hydrocarbon
resources to enhance the energy security of Turkey and the rest of Europe,
as well as to contribute to the economic development and prosperity of
Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.
Emphasized the necessity to develop further cooperation in education,
science, culture and other humanitarian fields based on common heritage of
three countries.
Underscored the importance of holding regular trilateral meetings with a
view to continuing cooperation and coordination on political dialogue,
regional and global issues.
Agreed to hold the next meeting in Turkmenistan. The date of the meeting
will be agreed through diplomatic channels.