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'AZERBAIJAN IS A PIVOTAL COUNTRY IN TURKEY FOREIGN POLICY'
News.Az
Wed 17 October 2012 10:59 GMT | 11:59 Local Time
News.Az interviews Nigar Goksel, Turkish Policy Quarterly Editor
in Chief.
How do you assess the Azerbaijani-Turkish relations?
Relations between Baku and Ankara were strained a couple of years ago
however seem to be solidified now - due to conscious efforts to realign
on multiple dimensions. I was happy to see at the Humanitarian Forum
earlier this month that Turkey was represented by a wide spectrum
of the Turkish policy community. This indicates to me that there is
an understanding that the much-needed "diversification" in the links
between the two countries is taking place.
The countries have strong bases of partnership - from societal
solidarity to geo-strategic interests. Therefore the relations have
implications for not only foreign policy but also domestic politics.
Given the importance of Azerbaijan for the voting constituencies,
it can be expected that the Turkish government will ensure this
relationship remains strong as the Turkish elections near.
Azerbaijan is a pivotal country in Turkey foreign policy. Due to
Turkey's recent divergence with Moscow and Tehran in particular, Turkey
has in a sense regained its counterbalancing position in the region,
which is also traditionally important for Baku's strategic purposes.
Collaboration in energy transit is also an important dimension of
the relations, and one that produces win-win benefits. TANAP is
an important development on this front. The two countries are also
working more closely in their lobby efforts around the world - though
I remain somewhat skeptical about Azerbaijan's taking on too much
advocacy in line with Ankara's lobbying efforts regarding1915, as
this might drain capital from Azerbaijan's position vis a vis Karabakh.
Friction between Turkey and Azerbaijan does surface occasionally-
with a tendency to suddenly flair up. Stereotypes about Azerbaijan
still exist in certain segments of the Turkish intellectual elite,
and require sustained engagement to be overcome.
How do you see the solution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?
Current developments do not appear to be conducive for the resolution
of this conflict, unfortunately. Not only are the two states in
stalemate but expectations and tensions within the societies are
also hiking. Though the status quo is bad for not only Armenia and
Azerbaijan but also Turkey's traction in the region and European
soft power, none of the actors seem to be in a position to enable
a resolution.
What do you think about cooperation between Azerbaijan and European
institutions?
Though I understand Baku's frustration with European inability to
contribute more to strategic questions and power balances in the
region, it is still worthwhile that Azerbaijan not fall behind the
other countries in the region in terms of integration with the EU.
Though painstakingly slow and cumbersome, the opportunities of visa
free travel and intensified economic cooperation offered by Brussels
can benefit the opportunities of Azerbaijani citizens. Gradual adoption
of European values and governance models will contribute to human
development in Azerbaijan.
The Council of Europe is also an important institutional link between
Azerbaijan and Europe. To be effective though, the Council of Europe
needs to be able to incenvitize Azerbaijan towards reform, and this
requires an approach that does not single out Baku, but is equally
demanding in enforcing political standards in countries like Russia
which have an ability to set the 'tone' of the region. The weakening
of Turkey's accession process and Turks' negative perceptions of the
EU's fairness is probably also a factor that plays a negative role
in Azerbaijan's assurance of the EU's role and impact in the region.
Elshan Rustamov
News.Az
Wed 17 October 2012 10:59 GMT | 11:59 Local Time
News.Az interviews Nigar Goksel, Turkish Policy Quarterly Editor
in Chief.
How do you assess the Azerbaijani-Turkish relations?
Relations between Baku and Ankara were strained a couple of years ago
however seem to be solidified now - due to conscious efforts to realign
on multiple dimensions. I was happy to see at the Humanitarian Forum
earlier this month that Turkey was represented by a wide spectrum
of the Turkish policy community. This indicates to me that there is
an understanding that the much-needed "diversification" in the links
between the two countries is taking place.
The countries have strong bases of partnership - from societal
solidarity to geo-strategic interests. Therefore the relations have
implications for not only foreign policy but also domestic politics.
Given the importance of Azerbaijan for the voting constituencies,
it can be expected that the Turkish government will ensure this
relationship remains strong as the Turkish elections near.
Azerbaijan is a pivotal country in Turkey foreign policy. Due to
Turkey's recent divergence with Moscow and Tehran in particular, Turkey
has in a sense regained its counterbalancing position in the region,
which is also traditionally important for Baku's strategic purposes.
Collaboration in energy transit is also an important dimension of
the relations, and one that produces win-win benefits. TANAP is
an important development on this front. The two countries are also
working more closely in their lobby efforts around the world - though
I remain somewhat skeptical about Azerbaijan's taking on too much
advocacy in line with Ankara's lobbying efforts regarding1915, as
this might drain capital from Azerbaijan's position vis a vis Karabakh.
Friction between Turkey and Azerbaijan does surface occasionally-
with a tendency to suddenly flair up. Stereotypes about Azerbaijan
still exist in certain segments of the Turkish intellectual elite,
and require sustained engagement to be overcome.
How do you see the solution of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?
Current developments do not appear to be conducive for the resolution
of this conflict, unfortunately. Not only are the two states in
stalemate but expectations and tensions within the societies are
also hiking. Though the status quo is bad for not only Armenia and
Azerbaijan but also Turkey's traction in the region and European
soft power, none of the actors seem to be in a position to enable
a resolution.
What do you think about cooperation between Azerbaijan and European
institutions?
Though I understand Baku's frustration with European inability to
contribute more to strategic questions and power balances in the
region, it is still worthwhile that Azerbaijan not fall behind the
other countries in the region in terms of integration with the EU.
Though painstakingly slow and cumbersome, the opportunities of visa
free travel and intensified economic cooperation offered by Brussels
can benefit the opportunities of Azerbaijani citizens. Gradual adoption
of European values and governance models will contribute to human
development in Azerbaijan.
The Council of Europe is also an important institutional link between
Azerbaijan and Europe. To be effective though, the Council of Europe
needs to be able to incenvitize Azerbaijan towards reform, and this
requires an approach that does not single out Baku, but is equally
demanding in enforcing political standards in countries like Russia
which have an ability to set the 'tone' of the region. The weakening
of Turkey's accession process and Turks' negative perceptions of the
EU's fairness is probably also a factor that plays a negative role
in Azerbaijan's assurance of the EU's role and impact in the region.
Elshan Rustamov