ISTANBUL: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday urged Russia and Azerbaijan to show restraint amid heightened tension between the two states.
Ankara has “deep and strategic ties” with both Moscow and Baku, Erdogan told reporters aboard his returning flight from Azerbaijan, Anadolu news agency reported.
Speaking on the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, President Erdogan said: “The peace deal will open new and historic windows of opportunity.”
Zangezur Corridor
He also highlighted the strategic importance of the Zangezur Corridor—a planned route connecting western Azerbaijan to the Nakhchivan exclave, and potentially serving as a vital link between China, Turkey, and Russia. Erdogan stressed that the corridor holds significant promise not only for Azerbaijan but for the entire region.
Describing the project as part of a broader “geo-economic revolution,” he noted that Ankara sees it as a transformative development in regional connectivity and trade.
Although Armenia was initially opposed to the corridor, Erdogan pointed out that Yerevan is now adopting a more flexible stance and appears increasingly open to economic integration.
F-35 delivery
To a question, President Erdogan said that he expects gradual delivery of F-35s to Turkey during Trump’s term, hoping that the US president will “honour our agreement.”
President Erdogan stated that the F-35 issue goes beyond military technology for Turkey, emphasising that it also concerns strong partnerships on global platforms, particularly within NATO.
Regional tensions
He also addressed regional tensions, saying that lasting peace has been undermined by Israel’s repeated violations of ceasefire agreements. Erdogan stressed that Ankara is actively working to prevent a repeat of such breakdowns.
Commenting on broader regional developments, the president noted that the recent ceasefire between Iran and Israel presents a valuable opportunity for a truce in Gaza. He added that Hamas has consistently demonstrated goodwill in pursuit of peace.
Syria
On the issue of Syria, President Erdogan stated that Turkey has clearly outlined its red lines, emphasising that the country will not accept any plans that legitimise terrorist groups or their affiliates.
“We can implement models such as free trade zones, logistics hubs, and border markets in northern Syria,” Erdogan added.
“In my meeting with brother (Azerbaijan’s President) Ilham Aliyev, he said: ‘I am ready to provide all kinds of support on natural gas to Syria,'” the president said.
