We Hope This Gesture Will Be Properly Appreciated in Yerevan: Statement from Turkey

Turkey has not made and does not make territorial claims against any neighboring country. This was stated by Turkish National Defense Minister Hulusi Akar in an interview with journalists in Ankara.

“Ankara respects the borders and sovereignty of all countries, including Syria and Iraq,” the Turkish minister said.

Addressing the situation in the South Caucasus, Hulusi Akar announced that Turkey will continue to support the “brotherly Azerbaijan's position.”

“Our goal is long-term peace and stability in the South Caucasus. The presidents of Turkey and Azerbaijan have reached out for peace to Armenia. We hope this gesture will be properly appreciated in Yerevan. This is a matter that concerns not only Azerbaijan or Armenia but the entire region. The South Caucasus should become an island of stability,” said the Turkish Minister of Defense.

He reminded that since January 30, a Turkish-Russian joint monitoring center has been operational in Azerbaijan. “We are approaching the issue positively. Instances of ceasefire violations are decreasing. We hope for an even greater level of stability. The joint efforts of Turkey and Russia contribute to peace and a long-lasting ceasefire,” the minister stated.