Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu confirmed that his country continues talks with Armenia through special representatives and that it and Azerbaijan are “truthful” about normalization.
This came in his response to journalists’ questions after the tripartite press conference with his Turkmen and Azerbaijani counterparts as part of the first summit of leaders of Turkey, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan in Turkmenistan.
Cavusoglu stressed that Turkey does not interfere in the direction of any country and that it and Azerbaijan are sincere about normalization.
He underlined the need for Armenia to take sincere steps and sign the peace agreement as soon as possible.
He said, “We have taken some measures regarding air cargo regarding the opening of our airspace in a coordinated manner, in order to take confidence-building measures, and accordingly Armenia should do more of a honest step, as he must respond honestly to our honest approach.”
He clarified that Turkey and Azerbaijan are natural allies, adding, “It is entirely natural for the two allied countries to conduct joint maneuvers, cooperation and training programs with each other, and this poses no threat to any country or party.”
Cavusoglu stressed that part of Azerbaijan’s natural gas is sold to Turkey, and part goes to Europe through Turkey.
And he added: “In order for Turkmenistan’s gas to reach Turkey, it must pass through Azerbaijan, (…) this cooperation must be in the interests of the three countries.”
Cavusoglu indicated that the summit of the leaders of Turkey, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan witnessed the formation of a working group to discuss the details of the issue of Turkmen gas transportation to Turkey through Azerbaijan.
He stressed that the summit discussed strengthening economic cooperation and the steps the three countries can take on energy and transport, adding, “In this context, a number of agreements have been signed and working groups have been formed.” .
TRT Arab – Agencies
