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A research about Military Relations Between Turkey and Azerbaijan by Strategic Outlookhttp://www.strategicoutlook.org
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Author
DENİZ TÖREN
AUTHOR
MEHMET FATİH ÖZTARSU
VOLUME: 1 - ISSUE: 3
AUGUST 2011
Military Relations of Turkey and Azerbaijan
Contemporary Situation of Military of
Azerbaijan
2
Table of Contents
Military Relations Of Turkey And Azerbaijan ............................................................................... 3
Interview with Araz ASLANLI ........................................................................................................ 6
Interview with Dr. Hatem CABBARLI ............................................................................................ 8
Interview with Reshad SULEYMANOV........................................................................................ 11
Interview with A Staff Member of Turkish Militart Attache ........................................................ 14
3
Military Relations of Turkey and Azerbaijan
After the collapse of USSR, necessities of new states were that economical, political,
military and educational relation on each other and other international platforms and
countries… On that way all former Soviet countries created Commonwealth of Independence
States union (CIS). By the creation of CIS these countries which were combined on old Soviet
map will create new relations at the new world system. Also for regulating new systems
geopolitical situation was very important. Firstly a state can create strong relations where it is
near another state.
If we describe relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan we will see effects of border
factor. Strong relations of Turkey and Azerbaijan are result of near abroad conditions.
Cooperation of Turkey and Azerbaijan had decreased from time to time but this dilemma
ended in new powerful authorities.
Pro Russian politics of Ayaz Muttalibov influenced Turkish relations as only
foundation embassy.[1] Turkey was working to establish new perspectives for other Turkish
countries in short time period of Muttalibov administrative. Ebulfez Elchibey who came to
power after Muttalibov followed new way as Pro Turkish politics as opposite to Muttalibov.
So many agreements had been created in economy, military, education, energy areas and new
activities started. First military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkey borned in that
time.[2]
In 1992 military education agreement signed between Azerbaijani and Turkish
governments. In this period Azerbaijan was working to create international pressure
circumstances on Armenia about Nagorno Karabakh conflict. So military agreements with
Turkey created new tensions at this region. We can say a diminish symbol with Russian
hegemony in foreign affairs subject.
Military conventions were less than next years in new political actions to make strong
authority and balance actions period. Haydar Aliyev’s balance political way created
cooperation as pragmatist mind of Azerbaijani foreign policy. We will see importance of
Turkish military agreements because if Azerbaijan want to be an important actor at the region,
it should establish new relations for the USA and NATO via Turkey at this new period as
Western dominance.
Mehmet Fatih ÖZTARSU
Co-President of Strategic Outlook
Russia-Caucasus Department
4
In 1996 between the government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the government of
the Republic of Turkey on base of cooperation of staff members of supporting service of
Armed Forces protocol signed.[3] In 1997 between the government of the Republic of
Azerbaijan and the government of the Republic of Turkey on regulation of civil and military
flying in 10 km of astride Azerbaijan-Turkey border protocol signed. In that time agreements
of Azerbaijan with Iran and Russia were aimed only friendship situation and solve problems
on special issues. Agreements with the USA were not about totally military cooperations. It is
important to not forget that Russian embargo on Azerbaijan because of Chechen problem
increased Turkish inclination on military subjects.[4] Strong relations with Turkey of
Azerbaijan will create new diplomatical positions from Cyprus to Yerevan.
Military positions as international importance of Azerbaijan borned with agreement between
the government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the government of the Republic of Turkey
on activities of platoon of Azerbaijan is going to Kosovo in the staff of Turkish battalion.
Azerbaijan will keep its soldiers untill period of independence of Kosovo.[5] With this step
Azerbaijan became an important and strategical country on extend to Eastern policy of
NATO. Azerbaijan won a good position on Caucasus region with taking some other military
duties via Turkey in different countries.
In 2000 between the Ministry of defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of
Naval Forces of Republic of Turkey about giving the attack launch of AB-34 P-134 to the
Azerbaijan protocol signed and :
- Protocol between the Ministry of defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Ministry
of national security of Republic of Turkey on cooperation in the topographical area,
- Protocol between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Turkey on forming
and training of profession school of forces kind of Baku,
- Protocol between the Ministry of defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the
General Staff of the Republic of Turkey on carrying out of the material and technical
purchasing,
- Agreement between the government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the
government of the Republic of Turkey on military industry cooperation signed.[6]
In 2001 between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the
General Staff of the Republic of Turkey on development of Nakhchivan 5th army protocol; in
2002 Ministry of defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the General Staff of the Republic
of Turkey on cooperation in the area of war history, military archive and museum work and
military publication protocol and in 2003 between the government of the Republic of
Azerbaijan and the government of the Republic of Turkey on training, material and technical
assistance of State Border Service of Azerbaijan by Armed Forces of Turkey and protocol
between Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey on cooperation in the safety of the West-East energy
corridor protocol signed.
Since 1999 Azerbaijan successed quickly. As against to Azerbaijan and Turkey,
Armenia and Greece signed an agreement as “Sending Armenian soldiers to Kosovo via
Greek army”.[7] Armenian parliament agreed this on 13 December 2003. According to this
agreement 30 Armenian soldiers had gone to Kosovo with ratification of Ministry of Defence
of Armenia.[8] It had been explained as to support European-Atlantic integration on South
Caucasus. Against to modernization of Azerbaijan by Turkish Military Forces, Greece take a
5
decision to support to Armenian army. Also military cooperations created influences on
political problems. In that time complicated circumstances about these events will share a new
balance of situations on energy and trade agreements.
After the September 11 terrorist acts, Azerbaijan supported the decision of counter
attack to terrorism of the USA. So it sent some peacekeepers to Afghanistan and opened air
space for American forces. These actions share importances of Turkish support and
modernisation to Azerbaijani army. Azerbaijan use this experimentation to be key actor in the
region.
In 2004 and 2005 between the government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the
government of the Republic of Turkey on long-term economical and military cooperation and
between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the General Staff of the
Republic of Turkey on application of the financial aid protocol signed.[9] And in 2006
between the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the General Staff of the
Republic of Turkey on application of material and technical provision protocol shared new
improvements of new actor. Since 2006 new approaches regulated colloboration with other
states:
- Azerbaijani supports to Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus,[10]
- Turkey purchases rockets from the USA,
- New relations of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey as a result of alternative energy way
against to Russia.
At the same year new circumstances created balance regulations for Azerbaijan with
agreement of natural gas project with Greece. It was political and military goal of Azerbaijan
because Yerevan loosed its good military and political relations with Greece. So it must
choose a new way as balance politics on the region. There is an importance of balance
activities on military cooperation of Azerbaijan from independence time to now. Pro Turkish
military activities improved international perspective of Azerbaijani foreign affairs. For
example, mainly Azerbaijan used Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus card above from
Greek support to Armenia. Also it took advantages from the USA and NATO supports and
created new politics as an alternative to Russia. We can say that experiences of Pro Turkish
politics of Elchibey and balance politics of Aliyev which agree all region as a whole will
make strong positions of Azerbaijan in Caucasus region.
6
What can you say about relations
between Azerbaijan and Turkey as
generally?
Shortly and generally we can define
relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey
as unique strategic relations in the world.
There is no any example like it which has a
common history, contemporary
cooperation and future expectations of
these two states. But it can be criticized by
elite groups sometimes because of these
relations are going under the normal line
which is expected highly. It is very normal
that critiques and expectations are highly
although an inefficient period of relations.
Because there are serious difficulties as
seperation period for 70 years and effects
of available global dynamics. If we look at
generally our military, cultural and
political relations are good and sufficient
than economic relations.
What do you think about different style
of Turkish-Azerbaijani relations from
time to time since period of Ayaz
Muttalibov?
There are different dimensions
which are global effects and changeable
situations of Turkish and Azerbaijani
governments to explain it. Let alone global
effects with to call them external actions of
big powers. It can be criticized badly if
relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey
may be effected ideologic outlooks and
daily politics of two governments. There is
a stability of balances but we can not see
any increase point in general period,
additionally there is an unstable period for
Azerbaijan which is depended on leaders
but it decreased from time to time.
Relations gained as institutionally.
General reason is only that Turkey entered
post Cold war time without institutional
foreign policy and Azerbaijan
was already a new independent state which
had different leaders who had different
ideologies.
What is the importance of military
relations for foreign affairs of
Azerbaijan?
Military relations which are
improved as permanency have very special
position in bilateral relations. Also is has a
prop role in foreign affairs of Azerbaijan.
There is a main example in 2001, July
crisis with Iran. Iran transgressied borders
of Azerbaijan, the USA and other Western
states didn’t protest them but this crisis
ended by Turkish army showed in Baku
with its air planes. Military relations have a
great importance during the battle time to
Armenia for saving our territories even
though some demands disappeared. It
gives a special mission to military
relations, thanks to Turkish effect, because
Karabakh problem is a main event of
foreign policy of Azerbaijan. Effect and
image of Turkish soldiers are available in
national memory of Azerbaijan since 1918
which was a year that Turkey helped
Azerbaijani salvation, this effect has a
main role as psychological bases of
relations. Military relations are symbol of
confidence at this subject.
How military relations effect
Azerbaijani position about NATO?
Turkey is an important effect while
we’re on close way to NATO, but it is not
first impact. Basics and results are being
because of balance policies of Azerbaijan
Araz ASLANLI
Khazar University
QAFSAM – Caucasusian Center for International
Relations and Strategic Studies
7
and role of Turkey which given by NATO.
Also common activities supports this issue
especially gendermarie works.
What do you think about modernisation
process of Azerbaijani army by Turkey?
Of course positively, Azerbaijan is
a young state which has occupied
territories (has an obligation to save its
territories in a little while), has threats
from regional powers and has important
energy projects which are important for
regional and global policies, so it needs to
modernise its army. It is very hard to act
with its conditions, external support is
vital. And it is natural and normal to get
supports from Turkey which is
geographically close state and it has
common heritage, language, belief and
culture. It means that there is an easy way
to develop army institution as technical
and educational, at the same time it is
important to struggle against to possible
threats. Because you should choose a
foreign state which you trust to
modernisation of military (because of
military secrets, skills and specialities).
Thus there was a period of foundation of
Azerbaijani army by Turkey and generals
who worked in Tsarist Russia in the first
times of 20. Century. We can see the same
period now.
How military relations of two countries
effect regional problems?
Military relations of Turkey and
Azerbaijan can be a balance element in this
region. We can understand clearly this
position when we look at Turkey and
Azerbaijan which settle on middle zones of
Middle East, Balkan and Caucasus which
have ethnical and serious clash potentials.
Bilateral military relations and also
trilateral or multilateral military
cooperations can prevent ethnical conflicts,
occupation activities and other unstable
potentials. But available conditions are not
ready to realise this thought for short time
period. It can be a true expectation for
middle and long term periods.
Can we say that Azerbaijan changed its
position from post-Soviet line to
Western block after the 11 September
attacks? If so, has Turkey a role about
this subject?
Azerbaijan has a balance policy and
it depends on global and regional balances.
At this point, Azerbaijan continued to its
balance policy while there was no more
influences of West after the 11 September
(the USA effected more than West via to
settle Middle Asia but its power decreased
from time to time for a short time). We can
talk about an opposite position of
Azerbaijani foreign policy against to
Western states. But generally it can share
itself as a reaction of Azerbaijan to
changeable situations of regional balances.
Also Turkish foreign policy is different
than classical periods. Multi dimensional is
preferable than Westernisation and
Azerbaijan and Turkey have common
sensitivities in this subject.
8
What can you say about relations
between Azerbaijan and Turkey as
generally?
Relations between Azerbaijan and
Turkey gained since 1991 though some
small disagreements. Two states are
inartificial allies which is a speciality that
other states don’t have. All sides shouldn’t
permit to abuses of others. Azerbaijan has
an important characteristic as a South
Caucasus country. Generally political and
economic relations are increasing in last
years, small disaccords can not influence
general period of relations. And we should
say that relations have not importance as
bilateral, also international platform
interests about this reality.
If we analyze military relations under
the subject of international and regional
security problems, all activities are
effectual. Two country should have done
successful cooperations in last 19 years but
today we can see a different circumstance.
Geopolitical and security problems of
Turkey and Azerbaijan couldn’t do close
of each other.
Turkey has a guarantor right on
Nakhcivan with permissions of Moscow
and Kars Treaties. Also it has a same right
on Adjara, but silence position of Turkey is
a surprise when autonomic body was
cancelled by Georgia. It is important to see
politics of Turkey when status quo
changed on Nakhcivan. There can be
different approaches according to
government’s power if we look at the
Armenian attack to Nakhcivan in 1992
although Turkish army declared important
briefings. We must say that Turkey has a
unique international guarantee to be in
South Caucasus with its guarantor right
on Nakhcivan.
Military relations of two states
continue with NATO standarts now and it
is a one branch of these relations. I think
that bilateral relations are important than
others. It is a big misfortune that two states
didn’t sign any strategic alliance and
defensive agreement. There can be some
obstacles to sign as international. But two
states have a good capacity to sign an
agreement. For example, Russia and
Armenia signed a defensive agreement. If
we can do this, regional balances of power
can change and two states can be powerful
actors at this period and Armenia will
repair its policies against to Turkey and
Azerbaijan.
What do you think about different style
of Turkish-Azerbaijani relations from
time to time since period of Ayaz
Muttalibov?
Ayaz Muttalibov was a pro-Russian
leader. There was no possibility to cut its
relations with Russia even if he visited to
Turkey. Popular Front Party (Azərbaycan
Xalq Cəbhəsi) came to power after him
and they wanted to develop all relations
with Turkey. But 1 year was not enough to
realize them. But Haydar Aliyev’s period
regulated relations with Turkey and
important improvements were established.
Two countries signed political and
economic agreements but military relations
were not strong like them. We should
analyze regional and international
changeable situations when we talked
about different types of seazons about
military relations. Especially Russian and
American politics about South Caucasus
Dr. Hatem CABBARLI
Deputy Chief of
Analytical Information Department of the
National Parliament Apparatus of Azerbaijan Republic
9
and Azerbaijan should be critisized correct.
Russia created aggressive politics against
to old Soviet countries untill late years of
1990s while it is working to reorganise
itself after the collapse of Soviet Union.
The USA and Western countries tried to be
effective in region and now they are
working. There is a different face of Russia
if we compare it with West and the USA,
Russian governments didn’t back down
from Soviet politics with to use jackboot to
establish its powerful situation on the
region, but West and the USA tried to
establish their possessions with ways of
legitimate.
What is the importance of military
relations for foreign affairs of
Azerbaijan?
It is important to Turkish foreign
policy, not only for Azerbaijan, if two
countries sign an agreement about strategic
alliance and defense cooperation. There
will be some chances to be active in
foreign affairs with thinking their situation
on strong way. Azerbaijan and Turkey can
struggle on a common platform against to
Armenian so-called historical subject and
their demands on territories of Turks.
Especially Azerbaijan keeps strong
position when meetings have been
established about Armenian occupation on
Azerbaijani territories. At the same time
Turkey may have a key role on relations
between NATO-Azerbaijan.
How military relations effect
Azerbaijani position about NATO?
Improvements on military relations of
two states may effect positively Azerbaijan
and NATO relations. Turkey is an
important member of NATO and it will
keep its situation for a long time. Turkey
had a role in last times as coordination
duty on relations between Azerbaijan-
NATO-IPAP (Individual Partnership
Action Plan) but after some states gave its
role to Lithuania because of relations of
two states will improve with NATO
subjects. Also Turkey can save its
important role about relations between
NATO and Azerbaijan.
What do you think about modernisation
process of Azerbaijani army by Turkey?
Azerbaijani army is new and it didn’t
work good untill 1994. But Azerbaijan
created military reforms and worked to
increase army capacity to NATO standarts.
It needs to support of Turkey which has
NATO experiences to solve its problems.
There is a good example for army of
Azerbaijan as well disciplined and
successful Turkish army which has a long
term cooperation experience with NATO.
Army officers who worked in Soviet army
educated army of Azerbaijan and this army
adopted Soviet style. After officers who
were educated in Turkey backed to
Azerbaijan helped army to adopt NATO
standarts. Good conditions were
established to educate army officers under
the NATO discipline. Turkish support on
modernisation process of Azerbaijani army
will continue to NATO adaptations of
Azerbaijan.
How military relations of two countries
effect regional problems?
Military relations and possible security
and defensive alliance can create a new
power center in region. First of all it can
change Western and Russian security
organisation initiatives which were not
successful and share importance of
security-national sensitivities of Turkey
and Azerbaijan. It can prevent Armenian
soft hegemony thought against to Turkey
and Azerbaijan. Especially security
balances changed after the 2008 Georgian-
Russian war. If there will be an allience
between Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia
and they will be successful on their way,
there is a possibilty as GUAM states may
join to this alliance.
10
Can we say that Azerbaijan changed its
position from post-Soviet line to
Western block after the 11 September
attacks? If so, has Turkey a role about
this subject?
11 September is a milestone for some
people. Azerbaijan supported struggle of
the USA against to global terrorism as an
experienced state about Armenian terror.
The state sent peace force to Afghanistan
and opened air space for the USA. In fact
Azerbaijan tended to West after the
independence, not after 11 September. But
it paid attention to other regional countries.
Namely it didn’t act like Georgia’s
boldness actions. Azerbaijan knows that
irresponsibility as neglecting other regional
countries like first times of 1990s. Haydar
Aliyev government considered balance of
power. Of course Turkey has a role in
tendency to West of Azerbaijan. Also
West/the USA tried to create politics with
Azerbaijan via Turkey. But after they
learned that Turkey had strong position if
they use this method, they tried to make
direct relations. Also Turkey has some
important roles at this situation.
11
What can you say about relations
between Azerbaijan and Turkey as
generally?
I want to talk about only military
relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey
because I think main effective issue is this.
All relations which are about political,
economic and military subjects are very
important between Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Also they are increasing from time to time.
Staff members of military department visit
each other for every year and they joined
too many organizations around for 100
times. National Defense Ministry of
Azerbaijan confirms these activations with
its declarations. But there are some
paradoxes that Turkey and Azerbaijan
didn’t create any military union and sign
any pact like Russian Armenian solidarity.
We can say that this is a main paradox for
our subject.
Also there are some important
agreements which were signed by these
two countries like; on development of
Nakhchivan 5th army protocol, on carrying
out of the material, technical purchasing
and military education agreements of
gendarmaries. Turkey helped to Azerbaijan
about cooperation in the topographical
area, forming and training of professional
school of forces and military industry
cooperation. And supports of Turkey
created Qala Education Center with these
relations. Today Turkish staff members
work on all of the points of
Navy Forces of Azerbaijan as
counsellor units. Turkey gave a
Present as a ship and helped about some
special subjects to Azerbaijan Armed
Forces in the previous time. We can see
this important function on the Air Force of
Azerbaijan. There are some other examples
as educational form of Azerbaijani
aircraftmen in Turkey and modernization
activities of Air Force Center by Turkey.
Military industry should be examined
under the military relations subject of
Turkey Azerbaijan. Murat Bayar who is
undersecretar of Turkish Defence Industry
visited Azerbaijan with 17 Turkish
company in 2008, we can establish a
positive thought about last effective
cooperations among these states. Now
ASELSAN works on Azerbaijan to gain on
its ways. National Defence Ministry of
Azerbaijan ratificated an agreement which
is about military radiostations and it costs
3.2 million dollars. Also another important
company “Koza Teknik Savunma San.
Ticaret. Ltd.” works together with Ministry
of Defence Industry and other official
institutions. This company constructed
polygon of the Special State Protection and
shooting range center of Defence Ministry.
Other company TİSAŞ cooperated with
this official institution and producted
pistols under the name of “İnam”, “Zafer”
and “Zafer-K”. It doesn’t finish with only
these activities; they founded technology
line of MKEK Company and producted
bullets which are 7.62 mm. calibres. As
generally Turkish companies are
supporting missions of Turkish state
cooperations with Azerbaijan. Officials of
two countries care about production
projects of “Altay” and “Milgem” national
tanks. Now there is a process about this
event.
Reshad SULEYMANOV
Editor in Chief of Military Azerbaijan Journal and APA
Press Agency
12
We can say that this year is efficient
about cooperations of Armed Forces of
Turkey and Azerbaijan. During this year
two sides discussed new situations of their
coordinations and how they improve
available conditions. Atilla Işık who is
commander of the Turkish Gendarmarie
visited Baku in March 2009, after Sefer
Abiyev who is Minister of National
Defence of Azerbaijan visited Turkey in
Aprel. Also Yaver Cemalov who is
minister of Defence Industry, Zakir
Hasanov who is general of the
Gendarmarie of Azerbaijan, İlham
Mehdiyev who is general of the Coast
Guard of Azerbaijan visited Turkey to
implement last important coordinations.
There was an annual meeting about
coordination of investigation activities
between Turkey and Azerbaijan. Last
important visit was of Işık Koşaner who is
general of the Land Forces of Turkey in
November 2009.
What do you think about different style
of Turkish-Azerbaijani relations from
time to time since period of Ayaz
Muttalibov?
Behaviors of leaders are effecting
relations among states, not only state
administratives. Good relations of Haydar
Aliyev during 1994-2003 with Süleyman
Demirel and Ahmet Necdet Sezer, effected
positively Turkish relations of Azerbaijan,
specially about military cooperations.
Especially I want to say that today İlham
Aliyev cares about visits of Turkish
Military staff members.
What is the importance of military
relations for foreign affairs of
Azerbaijan?
Azerbaijan has a key role to
Turkish effect on Caucasus and Middle
Asia. Also it helps to Turkey to be a leader
of Turkish geography. If Turkey lose
chance of Azerbaijan, it should face some
dilemmas on way of great power in the
region. I think, we should be careful while
we are talking about military relations
because we will see an important point.
Turkey wants to create a guarantee against
to bad results of Russian Armenian
alliance in the region with its military
effect on Azerbaijan. Now, Azerbaijan
need to Turkish support in every area.
Definitely other key actors have different
outlooks about this military relation.
Especially Iran and Russia wants to keep
their interests in every condition.
I want to add another point that Iran
intervened Azerbaijani territory via air and
sea ways and the Turkish Air Force
performed a show on Baku air with its war
planes. It was very strong effective to
morale of Azerbaijani people. After that
time Iran followed careful politics with
Azerbaijan.
How military relations effect
Azerbaijani position about NATO?
Turkey had an important role about
relationships between Azerbaijan and
NATO. We can say generally, the Turkish
Armed Forces supported modernisation,
organisational structure and military
education process of Azerbaijani army as
NATO standardisation. But Turkey is not
first reason to be near to NATO; political
situation of the region and Karabakh
problem are effecting policies of
Azerbaijan as take advantage of this
reality.
What do you think about modernisation
process of Azerbaijani army by Turkey?
Absolutely perfect. Firstly this is
possible and real process to affiliate of two
nations with their national thought and
cultural values. Second one is that
favorable to choose Turkish model for
Azerbaijan instead of European countries.
13
We talked about that Azerbaijani
gendermarie groups are organised by
Turkish army model and special groups are
educated in Foça, Turkey. There are too
many positive results of our working. 200
staff members join to military school and
training centers in Turkey for every year.
Also there are some competitions to apply
to KHO and GATA for Azerbaijanis.
How military relations of two countries
effect regional problems?
Of course it has a great effect on
political processes for this region. If
Azerbaijan declares a war to solve its
territorial problem today, it should use
supports of Turkey. First war on Karabakh
and Georgian war in 2008 shared us a
different point like that Russia can
intervene to all subjects of regional issues
for every moment. Especially, Armenia
will get some supports from Russia and
Collective Security Treaty Organisation.
And we should look at this subject as
military relations of Turkey and Azerbaijan
will implement transnational projects and
global energy security. On the other hand,
Russia and Iran don’t want to be against to
Turkey.
Can we say that Azerbaijan changed its
position from post-Soviet line to
Western block after the 11 September
attacks? If so, has Turkey a role about
this subject?
I think we should look at the old
process of politics and keep realities to
understand this point.
14
What can you say about relations
between Azerbaijan and Turkey as
generally?
Generally is it a good example for regional
states to make a common structure which
basis on cultural, historical and
geographical similarities. We should look
at first times of 20 century, Turkish
soldiers helped Azerbaijani people because
of Russian and Armenian invade.
Contemporary relations between
Azerbaijan and Turkey borned in that time
as a strong structure. After the
independence time leaders of two states
worked to be combine in every subjects.
Especially Süleyman Demirel and Ahmet
Necdet Sezer shared their sensivity about
Turkish states. In Azerbaijan, Abulfez
Elchibey and Haydar Aliyev created strong
relations with Turkey. Aliyev is very
popular in Turkey with his successful
works. So if we say honestly, relations
among two states are strong than others.
What do you think about different style
of Turkish-Azerbaijani relations from
time to time since period of Ayaz
Muttalibov?
There can be some different outlooks
with initiatives and ideologies of leaders.
Of course Muttalibov had a tendency to
Russia after the Soviet time. But political
conditions can be difficult to share brave
behaviors. In that time Turkey should have
created new politics for Azerbaijan but our
political leaders were not effective to
establish new relations with our brother
state. In People’s Front Party time
Azerbaijan created a good base to make
new politics for Turkey, after Aliyev came
to power and he realised all of political
thoughts. Also Turkey had different
seasons like Azerbaijan. Different leader
came and different political steps had been
established.
What is the importance of military
relations for foreign affairs of
Azerbaijan?
Military relations are very sensitive and
important than others. As a human we
know importance of defense ourselves
against to some threats, like that states
have some arguments to defend
theirselves. We can create cooperations to
be stronger than other. So Turkey and
Azerbaijan established good relations in
military subject. NATO supported our
relations with Western style. But we can
some goals about regional politics with
effecting to foreign policy of Azerbaijan.
In late times of 1990s, Azerbaijan sent
peacekeepers to Kosovo under the Turkish
army. After Greece worked to get
Armenian army to send them Kosovo as
against to Turkish effect. So we created a
line as Baku-Ankara. They worked to
establish a line as Yerevan-Athens and
Azerbaijan initiated to be brave about
Cyprus issue. It is a very important to say
an effect on foreign policy of Azerbaijan.
Also Azerbaijan has a near position to
NATO. We should say the role of Turkey.
How military relations effect
Azerbaijani position about NATO?
Turkish military relations have enough
roles about NATO subject. But it is not
first affect because Azerbaijan has its own
determination to join Western Blok. So
Turkey is a vice helper via standardization
duty of Azerbaijani army.
A Staff Member of
Turkish Military Attache in Azerbaijan
15
What do you think about modernisation
process of Azerbaijani army by Turkey?
It is a big mission of Turkey and also
Azerbaijan needs it. Turkey has an
obligation by NATO. Again we can look at
history; Turkish commander’s educated
disordered army of Azerbaijan in 1918.
After independence time two states signed
some agreements and protocols. Turkey
gave some technical tools and weapons.
Staff members of Azerbaijan are educated
in Turkey by Turkish army. It is a great
chance for Azerbaijan and also for Turkey
to be effective in South Caucasus.
How military relations of two countries
effect regional problems?
Turkey has some rights on Caucasus
such as Adjaria and Nakhcivan. They can
be political subjects but we may see effects
on regional problems. Turkish army sent
some important messages to Armenia and
Western states in first times of Karabakh
problem. Armenian hegemony was stopped
by Turkey. As we said Kosovo mission of
NATO shared regional political structures.
Can we say that Azerbaijan changed its
position from post-Soviet line to
Western block after the 11 September
attacks? If so, has Turkey a role about
this subject?
There can be Western effect on
Azerbaijan and state selected to support
struggle to terrorism with the USA. But
there is no total tendency to West because
we have a reality that Azerbaijan is a post-
Soviet country and it is near to Eastern
projects and political organisations. It is
important to say Aliyev’s balance politics
or pragmatism. Turkey have some roles
with energy routes, commercial activities
and military relations. But Turkey supports
free politics of all states.
16
[1] Hüseyin Adıgüzel, Azerbaycan Dosyası, İleri 2000 Dergisi, http://www.ileri2000.org/27/adiguzel27.htm
[2] Prof. Dr. Mustafa Aydın ile Azerbaycan, Ermenistan, Türkmenistan, Rusya ve Doğu Türkistan’a Bakış, TÜRKSAM,
http://www.turksam.org/tr/a1784.html
[3] Official web site of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Bilateral Agreements with Turkey.
[4] Ayhan Karaca, Azerbaycan’da Ekonomik Dönüşüm Süreci ve Reformların 10 Yılı, Günaskam,
http://www.gunaskam.com/tr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=125&Itemid=46.
[5] Askerhaber, http://www.askerhaber.com/kosova/kosova-icin-buradayiz.html
[6] Official web site of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Bilateral Agreements with Turkey.
[7] Cavid Veliyev, Türkiye-Gürcistan-Azerbaycan Birlikteliği Karşısında Atina-Erivan Yakınlaşması, TUSAM.
[8] Yunan-Ermeni İttifakı Kosova’da, Diplomatik Gözlem, http://www.diplomatikgozlem.com/haber_oku.asp?id=2792
[9] Official web site of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Bilateral Agreements with Turkey
[10] Radikal Gazetesi, KKTC-Azerbaycan Uçak Seferleri , http://www.radikal.com.tr/haber.php?haberno=162838