The second trilateral mechanism meeting between Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan concluded with the signing of the Ankara Declaration in Ankara at the JW Marriott Hotel. The meeting was attended by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov, and Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, alongside other key officials.

The declaration reaffirms the strong strategic partnership among the three nations, based on mutual respect, trust, common interests, and deep-rooted cultural ties. It also underscores their commitment to sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the principles of international law.

Key areas of focus include trade, investment, energy, transportation, digitalization, and logistics. The parties emphasized the importance of the Middle Corridor and its role in enhancing the transit potential of Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan. The TRACECA (Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia) initiative was highlighted as a vital component of regional connectivity.

Additionally, the declaration includes commitments to:

• Strengthen cooperation in infrastructure development and digitalization for smoother trade flow.
• Support projects like the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway and Baku International Sea Trade Port.
• Increase coordination on border crossings and customs procedures to enhance efficiency.
• Develop sustainable transportation networks, including the Trans-Afghan Railway to boost regional trade.
• Facilitate Uzbekistan’s access to the Middle Corridor for efficient cargo transit.

The leaders also emphasized investment in the reconstruction of Karabakh and East Zangezur and supporting Azerbaijan’s demining efforts to enable the safe return of displaced persons. The declaration expressed full support for Azerbaijan’s COP29 presidency in advancing global climate action.

On the Israel-Palestine conflict, the declaration called for an immediate ceasefire and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution, advocating for an independent State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The next trilateral meeting is set to take place in Azerbaijan on a mutually agreed date.