Shusha Declaration

Shusha Declaration, officially titled “Shusha Declaration on Allied Relations between the Republic of Türkiye and the Republic of Azerbaijan”, is a binding international agreement that formally elevates Türkiye–Azerbaijan relations to the level of “alliance”.

The agreement was signed on 15 June 2021 in Shusha, the symbolic city of Karabakh, and entered into force in 2022 after ratification by the parliaments of both countries.

Presidents Erdoğan and Aliyev at the Signing Ceremony of the Shusha Declaration (AA)

Purpose

• To elevate the relationship between Türkiye and Azerbaijan to an allied level in qualitative terms and establish an institutional foundation for coordinated action in political, economic and security dimensions.

• To continue joint efforts consistent with the Charter of the United Nations and principles of international law to ensure global and regional peace, stability and security.

• To establish solidarity and mutual assistance based on the fundamental interests of both parties, including independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders, and to coordinate activities on strategic issues of common concern.

Scope

• The scope of cooperation encompasses a broad range of areas including political, economic, defense, cultural, humanitarian, health, education, social, youth and sports fields, with the aim of combining the capacities and potentials of both parties in these domains.

• Mutual support and coordination will be organized on the basis of close or aligned positions within international and regional organizations such as the United Nations, the OSCE, the Council of Europe and relevant Turkic world institutions.

• In the domain of security and defense, in the event of a threat or attack by a third state against the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity or security of either party, joint consultations, actions in accordance with the UN Charter and commitments to provide necessary assistance shall be undertaken; the scope of assistance shall be determined promptly and coordinated military operations by the armed forces shall be implemented. Regular joint meetings of the national security councils of both parties on matters of national security are also provided for.

• Efforts to strengthen stability and security in the Caucasus, restore economic and transportation links, normalize relations and pursue long-term peace, including consideration of the special geographic position of Nakhchivan, are included.

• The text serves as a framework document establishing the political and legal mechanisms of this alliance relationship.

Provisions of the Declaration

1) Fundamental Principles and the Alliance Framework

Establishment of political and legal mechanisms for relations at the alliance level, grounded in the principles of independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders.

Continuation of mutual efforts for regional and global peace and stability, and solidarity and mutual support on regional and international issues.

2) Foreign Policy Coordination

Conducting coordination and regular bilateral political consultations, with emphasis on the framework of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.

Mutual support based on close or aligned positions within international and regional organizations such as the United Nations, the OSCE, the Council of Europe and others.

3) Mutual Assistance and Security Provisions

In the event of a threat or attack by a third state against the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, border inviolability or security of either party, joint consultations, actions in accordance with the UN Charter and commitments to provide necessary assistance shall be undertaken; the scope and form of assistance shall be determined promptly, and coordinated operations by the armed forces and their command structures shall be implemented. Regular joint meetings of the national security councils of both parties on matters of national security are also stipulated.

Expansion and deepening of cooperation in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including its financing, organized crime, money laundering, drugs, human trafficking and illegal migration.

Azerbaijan condemns actions and terrorism directed against Türkiye’s sovereignty and security; Türkiye expresses firm support for Azerbaijan’s fight against terrorism.

4) Military Cooperation and Defense Industry

Joint efforts for the restructuring and modernization of the armed forces of both countries.

Exchange of personnel, joint training and exercises, enhancement of interoperability, close cooperation in arms and ammunition management and coordination among competent institutions; support for joint exercises with the armed forces of other friendly states.

Reciprocal technology sharing in maritime, air and space domains; joint projects; development of defense industry technologies; cooperation in joint research, production and markets.

Clarification that military-political cooperation is not directed against any third state.

Joint scientific research, expert training and technical cooperation in cybersecurity.

Support for normalization activities in liberated territories, including mine clearance.

5) Economy, Energy and Transportation

Development of a favorable environment for trade and investment; diversification of exports and production; establishment of mechanisms for free movement of goods.

Effective utilization and development of the Southern Gas Corridor; regional cooperation in electricity to ensure energy security in the region.

Enhancement of the competitiveness of the East-West/Central Transport Corridor; utilization of intelligent transportation systems.

Opening of the Zangezur Corridor and construction of the Nakhchivan-Kars railway line as its continuation.

6) Media, Diaspora and Public Diplomacy

Strengthening cooperation in information, communication and social diplomacy within the framework of the Türkiye–Azerbaijan Media Platform; continuous exchange of information between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs.

Cooperation and solidarity between Turkish and Azerbaijani diasporas; coordination of activities to inform the global public opinion of historical truths.

Common stance on opening archives related to the events of 1915 and supporting scholarly research by historians.

7) Social/Cultural Fields and Free Movement

Positive recognition of mutual travel facilitation through identity cards; facilitation of residence rights based on reciprocity.

Protection of shared values and cultural heritage; continuous joint activities in humanitarian, social security, science, education, health, youth and sports fields.

Acceleration of activities within Turkic world institutions (Turkish Council, Turkish Academy, TÜRKSOY, etc.) and promotion of Turkish cultural heritage at the international level.

8) Regional Peace and Normalization

Strengthening stability and security in the Caucasus; restoration of economic and transportation links; continuation of joint efforts to normalize relations and achieve long-term peace, with reference to the special position of Nakhchivan.

Significance of the Declaration

The Shusha Declaration, signed on 15 June 2021 in Shusha and ratified by the parliaments of both countries, entering into force on 3 February 2022, is the first foundational document to elevate Türkiye–Azerbaijan relations from “strategic partnership” to the level of “alliance”; in this regard, it marks a turning point in the history of bilateral relations. The Declaration contains provisions that affect not only bilateral ties but also the security and stability architecture of the Caucasus and the institutional cooperation vision with the Turkic world. Therefore, the Declaration serves as a “roadmap” and foundational text for a potential regional cooperation mechanism.