A New Area in Azerbaijan

Unfortunately, Aliyev is currently very ill and so can never return to the helm of the state. In this respect, the appointment of his son Ilhan Aliyev as prime minister can be seen as a first stage in moving into the ‘second Aliyev era.’

It’s important for us that Azerbaijan get through this transition without any hitches and continue the stability and speedy political and economic development accomplished by Aliyev. Ankara doesn’t want a contrary situation, that is, a political power vacuum in Azerbaijan and the sowing of chaos through the manipulation of domestic and foreign players. Besides our common history, culture, religion and values with the Azerbaijani nation, we also share vitally important geostrategic and economic interests. Azerbaijan is the cornerstone of Turkey’s foreign policy in the Caucasus. Thus, it’s important for Ankara that the change of power in Azerbaijan should happen calmly and that the new administration continue its policies vis-a-vis Turkey with the same understanding.

The new situation in Azerbaijan requires that Turkey proceed very carefully. Naturally, Ankara wants the continuation of both stability and democracy in Azerbaijan. In other words, Turkey, an aspiring ‘model country’ and regional power, should help to promote democratic values and norms in such situations. Ankara should also signal that it wants to continue its ‘special relationship’ with the new administration in Azerbaijan along the same lines.”