Erdogan comments on Azerbaijan-Russia tensions, urges restraint and dialogue

Tengrinews.kz – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has addressed the escalating tensions between Azerbaijan and Russia, expressing hope that the recent “tragic events” will not cause irreversible damage to relations between the two countries, citing Anadolu Agency.

"Turkey maintains deep diplomatic and strategic ties with both Azerbaijan and Russia. We are closely monitoring the situation and call for restraint. Our greatest wish is that these unfortunate events do not deal irreparable harm to relations between the two nations," Erdogan stated.

Erdogan expressed confidence that both sides possess the understanding necessary to resolve the issue peacefully.

"We will continue to support constructive steps toward resolving this matter. Our priority is to prevent sudden escalations that could undermine the hard-won stability in a region that has already seen enough conflict. The Caucasus cannot afford another war," he said.

The Turkish leader also emphasized the importance of progress on the Zangezur Corridor project and the need for a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, calling these initiatives crucial for long-term regional stability.
Tensions flared in late June after the arrest and subsequent deaths of two Azerbaijani nationals - brothers Huseyn and Ziyaddin Safarov - in Yekaterinburg, Russia. Reports indicated the presence of signs of beating and torture on their bodies, prompting outrage in Azerbaijan.
In response, Azerbaijani authorities began detaining Russian nationals suspected of various crimes, leading to a diplomatic standoff between the two countries.
As the situation remains delicate, Erdogan’s comments highlight Turkey’s balancing act between its close ally Azerbaijan and its complex but strategic partnership with Russia.