Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye held the 10th trilateral foreign ministers’ meeting in Istanbul, where officials emphasized strengthening regional cooperation in energy, transport, security, and connectivity projects such as the Middle Corridor and Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway, while reaffirming political alignment, peace efforts, and broader strategic partnerships.

Meeting Between Bayramov and Fidan

On June 8, Jeyhun Bayramov, the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister, met with Hakan Fidan, the Turkish Foreign Minister, in Istanbul on the sidelines of the 10th trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye. The discussions focused on issues stemming from the Azerbaijan-Türkiye alliance, current priorities of bilateral and multilateral cooperation, as well as regional and international security matters.

Bayramov and Fidan underscored the significance of the trilateral cooperation mechanism involving Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye in strengthening regional stability, security, energy cooperation and transport connectivity. Particular attention was paid to the development of the Middle Corridor, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project, the expansion of regional transit opportunities and issues related to energy security.

The ministers also emphasized the importance of ensuring sustainable peace and stability in the region and highlighted the need for continued coordinated efforts to deepen regional cooperation. They additionally exchanged views on other regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Meeting Between Botchorishvili and Fidan

On the same day, within the framework of the trilateral ministerial meeting in Istanbul, Maka Botchorishvili, the Georgian Foreign Minister, held talks with Hakan Fidan. The sides reviewed the strategic partnership between Georgia and Türkiye and discussed opportunities for its further development. They positively assessed cooperation across various sectors and highlighted the importance of bilateral collaboration in advancing the Middle Corridor and implementing key strategic infrastructure projects.

The ministers also exchanged views on ongoing regional developments and discussed the role of Georgia and Türkiye in promoting peace, stability and sustainable development in the region. Botchorishvili and Fidan reaffirmed their readiness to continue close cooperation in both bilateral and multilateral formats.

Botchorishvili also thanked her Turkish counterpart for the organization of the 10th trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Türkiye, as well as for the hospitality extended to the participating delegations in Istanbul.

Meeting Between Botchorishvili and Bayramov

On June 8, within the framework of the 10th trilateral meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye held in Istanbul, Jeyhun Bayramov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, held talks with Maka Botchorishvili, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia.

During the meeting, the sides discussed the current state and future development prospects of the Azerbaijan–Georgia strategic partnership, covering political dialogue, economic and trade relations, energy security, transport and communication projects, as well as broader regional cooperation issues.

Both ministers emphasized that relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia, built on mutual trust and good neighborly relations, play a key role in ensuring stability and development in the region. They also highlighted the importance of joint projects in the energy and transport sectors, including the Southern Gas Corridor, the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway, and the Middle Corridor.

The discussions further included an exchange of views on regional security dynamics and the ongoing situation regarding the establishment of lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus.

The parties noted that the trilateral cooperation format between Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye contributes significantly to strengthening regional prosperity, as well as energy and transport connectivity, and expressed their intention to further deepen cooperation in this framework. Other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest were also addressed during the meeting.

Press Comments

On June 8, Hakan Fidan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, said at a press conference held during the 10th meeting of the foreign ministers of Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Georgia in Istanbul that strengthening trilateral ties is both a strategic and political priority for the region. Fidan stated that cooperation among the three countries goes beyond their individual national interests and carries wider regional significance. He emphasized that, at a time when conflicts are ongoing in various parts of the world, the atmosphere of peace and cooperation established among Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Georgia has "real strategic value."

He added that the foreign ministers had reviewed the regional situation and discussed ways to further deepen integration in energy, transport and connectivity. According to Fidan, the next objective is to develop a more interconnected regional framework that supports long-term stability and development. Fidan also noted that Türkiye views the political will demonstrated by Azerbaijan and Armenia in the peace process as an important factor for regional stability, expressing support for the ongoing normalization efforts between the two countries. He stated that as peace in the South Caucasus strengthens, interstate relations across the region will also improve. "At today’s talks, we reaffirmed that stability, peace, and prosperity in the South Caucasus should be built on the foundation of sincere and constructive cooperation," Fidan stated. He added that the region should be associated with development and connectivity rather than conflict, stressing that the ongoing peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia offers hope for achieving these goals.

Jeyhun Bayramov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, stated at the same press conference that the ministers reviewed the current state of joint projects and discussed new initiatives within the trilateral framework. He emphasized that coordinated action is increasingly important in light of regional and global tensions, noting that the South Caucasus cannot remain unaffected by broader geopolitical developments. Bayramov also said that discussions included developments related to Iran and peace efforts in the Middle East, underlining the importance of resolving conflicts through international law, diplomacy and political dialogue. He stressed that achieving a ceasefire and turning it into lasting peace is a key priority. He further informed that Azerbaijan briefed its partners on the ongoing peace process with Armenia, emphasizing that durable peace requires the normalization of interstate relations and the resolution of outstanding issues necessary for a final agreement. Bayramov also warned that the Russia–Ukraine conflict continues to generate serious risks for regional countries, urging citizens to avoid conflict zones. He referred to a recent incident in the Azov Sea, where Azerbaijani citizens were killed and injured in a drone strike, and reiterated that Azerbaijan consistently advocates for peaceful settlement of disputes.

Maka Botchorishvili, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, stated that Tbilisi, Baku and Ankara have significant untapped potential for expanding trilateral cooperation. She expressed confidence that deeper collaboration would open new areas of partnership and strengthen the role of the three countries in regional connectivity. Botchorishvili highlighted the importance of transport links, noting that improved connectivity would further enhance trade and economic relations, particularly in the context of long-term peace and stability in the wider Eurasian region. She said Georgia aims to serve as a bridge between Europe and Asia, with infrastructure projects playing a key role in this objective. She specifically underscored the importance of the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway, stating that maximizing its potential would contribute to stronger economic ties and regional integration. She also referred to the Middle Corridor and the Black Sea submarine power cable project as strategically important initiatives that could significantly expand cooperation. Botchorishvili added that the trilateral format remains a valuable platform for reviewing existing achievements and planning future initiatives, describing it as essential for strengthening regional connectivity and cooperation. She also separately described her bilateral talks with Jeyhun Bayramov as productive and positive, noting recent high-level exchanges between Georgia and Azerbaijan, including visits by national leaders and the signing of important agreements. She highlighted the resumption of railway traffic as a significant development in bilateral relations and emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and international cooperation within the trilateral framework.

Trilateral Meeting

On June 8, the Tenth Trilateral Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Georgia was held in Istanbul at the invitation of Hakan Fidan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye. The meeting was attended by Jeyhun Bayramov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Maka Botchorishvili, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. The ministers emphasized the strong relations between their countries, grounded in traditions of friendship, good neighborliness, mutual respect and trust. They expressed their intention to further deepen cooperation across political, economic, trade, security, scientific, technological and cultural fields, while highlighting their shared commitment to regional peace, stability and development.

They noted the importance of addressing emerging threats such as terrorism in all its forms, transnational organized crime, cyberattacks and hybrid warfare. At the same time, they underlined the need to strengthen economic ties and investment cooperation, describing regional connectivity as a key driver of growth and prosperity. The ministers reaffirmed their support for each other’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders. In this context, they stressed the importance of restoring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia within its internationally recognized borders. They also highlighted the strategic importance of cooperation in transport and energy sectors, including green energy and low-carbon technologies. Special attention was given to the role of the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline and the Southern Gas Corridor in contributing to regional and European energy security.

The sides emphasized the development of people-to-people contacts, educational and cultural exchanges, tourism and ICT cooperation, as well as the improvement of air, rail and road connectivity. They also underlined the importance of strengthening the Trans-Caspian East–West Middle Corridor, a multimodal transport route passing through Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Georgia, and supporting integration into international transit systems. The ministers stressed the key role of the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway within the corridor framework and welcomed the recent completion of modernization works at the Akhalkalaki International Railway Station in Georgia. They also reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation through existing multilateral transport and energy mechanisms involving Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Georgia. Further emphasis was placed on expanding cooperation in renewable energy, sustainable growth and environmental protection, including joint efforts to address climate change. In this regard, they welcomed Türkiye’s upcoming role as President of the 31st session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), as well as Azerbaijan’s hosting of the 13th World Urban Forum, which was recognized for contributing to international cooperation and sustainable development.

The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening joint efforts against terrorism, transnational crime, arms and drug trafficking, human trafficking, migrant smuggling, money laundering and cybercrime. They also expressed readiness to further promote investment and economic cooperation through direct engagement between business communities and relevant institutions. They welcomed initiatives such as the Turkey–Azerbaijan–Georgia Business Forum and highlighted progress in inter-parliamentary cooperation and mutual support within international organizations. At the conclusion of the meeting, the ministers expressed gratitude to Hakan Fidan for the organization of the session and agreed that the Eleventh Trilateral Meeting will be held in Georgia in 2027 on mutually agreed dates.