Ankara: Turkiye, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan issued the “Ankara Declaration”, which underlined each country’s respect for the sovereignty of the other, the integrity of its territories, and the sanctity of its international borders. This came at the conclusion of a tripartite ministerial meeting in the Turkish capital Ankara on Wednesday, held at the level of the ministers of foreign affairs, trade, economy, and transportation.

According to Qatar News Agency, the “Ankara Declaration” highlighted the importance of contributing to reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts in Azerbaijan, including mine clearance in the Karabakh region and the surrounding provinces. The declaration stressed the strengthening of the strategic partnership between the three countries on the basis of mutual respect, trust, common interests, and historical and cultural ties.

It underscored the support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, and the commitment to the principles of international law, with a focus on enhancing economic cooperation through joint projects in the fields of trade, investment, industry, energy, transportation, logistics, and communications.

At the regional level, the tripartite declaration called for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and ensuring unhindered access for humanitarian aid. The declaration also stressed the need to recognize a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The declaration issued by the three countries lauded the United Nations decision to accept Palestine as a member state. It was agreed to strengthen cooperation within the framework of international organizations such as the United Nations, the Organization of Turkic States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, with an emphasis on coordinating efforts on issues of common interest.