Erdogan: Russia and Azerbaijan Must Exercise Restraint to Avoid Irreparable Damage

Erdogan: Russia and Azerbaijan Must Exercise Restraint to Avoid Irreparable Damage

Ankara wants to ensure that any "unfortunate events" do not cause irreparable harm to Moscow-Baku relations — says President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday called on Russia and Azerbaijan to exercise restraint amid growing tensions between the two countries. He emphasized that Ankara maintains “deep and strategic relations with both Moscow and Baku.”

Speaking to journalists on his flight home from a visit to Azerbaijan, Erdogan said,

“Our greatest expectation is that no unfortunate event leads to irreparable damage in the relationship between Russia and Azerbaijan.”

Peace Agreement and New Prospects

Regarding the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Erdogan stated:

“This agreement opens the door to new and historic opportunities.”

Zangezur Corridor: A Geo-economic Revolution

Erdogan also spoke about the Zangezur Corridor, which aims to connect western Azerbaijan to the Nakhchivan exclave and serve as a strategic route stretching from China to Turkey and Russia.

He said,

“This corridor will be a great opportunity not just for Azerbaijan, but for the entire region.”
Erdogan added that Ankara views the corridor as a “geo-economic revolution.”

Although Armenia initially opposed the project, Erdogan noted that Yerevan is now showing more flexibility due to the economic integration opportunities it presents.

F-35 Issue with the United States

On the subject of F-35 fighter jet deliveries, Erdogan expressed hope that under President Donald Trump’s administration, the phased supply of the jets to Turkey would resume.

“For Turkey, the F-35 is not just about military technology. It’s also about strong partnership — especially within NATO — on the global stage,” Erdogan said.

Israel-Palestine Ceasefire and Iran

Erdogan stated that a lasting peace in the region has not been achieved due to Israel’s violations of ceasefires, but Ankara is working to ensure it does not happen again.

He added that the ceasefire between Iran and Israel has opened a path toward a peace deal in Gaza, and said Hamas has repeatedly shown goodwill in this regard.

Turkey’s Position on Syria

On Syria, Erdogan reiterated that Turkey has made its “red lines” clear and will not accept any plan that legitimizes terrorist groups or their affiliates.

“We are ready to implement models such as a free trade zone, logistics hubs, and cross-border markets in northern Syria,” Erdogan said.

Azerbaijan’s Proposal

Erdogan shared that during his meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the latter offered to support Syria’s energy needs:

“My brother Ilham Aliyev told me he is ready to provide any form of assistance in natural gas for Syria.”