Israel and Türkiye, both countries with close ties to Azerbaijan, may be able to reestablish political dialogue through Baku’s efforts and overcome a number of disagreements. Azerbaijan has become a significant factor in preventing escalation in Syria and has shown a clear interest in supporting the normalization of relations between Türkiye and Israel. On April 9, during his address at the international forum “Facing the New World Order” in Baku, President Ilham Aliyev touched upon the sensitive nature of Turkish-Israeli relations.
“With Türkiye, we are allies. We signed the Shusha Declaration in 2021 and officially became allies. Though, in fact, our alliance was already there before that document was signed. Israel is also a friendly country for Azerbaijan, and for many years this mutual friendship was demonstrated in difficult times for both of us. So, of course, this tension between these two countries is a matter of concern and worry for us. And, as it has already been publicly known — though we never disclosed it — it’s already being spread quite broadly that Azerbaijan played a certain role in the first successful rapprochement between Türkiye and Israel.”
As this remark shows, Baku has repeatedly extended a helping hand to its partners, without seeking recognition for its contributions. As a trustworthy and loyal friend, Azerbaijan has demonstrated itself to be a mediator with entirely selfless intentions. In this context, Baku has also supported the U.S. position on promoting interaction between the two friendly countries, helping guide the process in a constructive direction.
Azerbaijan is actively working to prevent further confrontation between Türkiye and Israel — particularly through their respective proxy forces in Syria — with the goal of avoiding the risk of direct military clashes, which under current circumstances have become increasingly probable.
Azerbaijan’s direct involvement in the Türkiye-Israel dialogue — as a country that enjoys equal trust from both sides — is a strong indication that Ankara and Tel Aviv may eventually find common ground and learn to listen to one another.
Baku’s role as a facilitator in such a sensitive and strategically significant track once again underscores its reputation as an experienced diplomatic actor with a genuine interest in global peace and stability.
It is worth recalling that the Azerbaijani capital has already played host to high-level talks involving military leadership from both Russia and NATO. Several meetings between the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, General Valery Gerasimov, and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, General Tod Wolters, have taken place in Baku. During these meetings, the sides discussed strategic stability, global crisis hotspots, and practical steps to prevent military incidents.
Additionally, during those rounds of dialogue, both General Gerasimov and General Wolters held separate meetings with President Ilham Aliyev and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defense Zakir Hasanov.
Speaking of the history of Russia-NATO contacts in Baku, it is worth recalling that in February 2017, Gerasimov met with his American counterpart General Joseph Dunford in Baku. In September of the same year, he held talks with then-Chairman of NATO’s Military Committee General Petr Pavel, and in April 2018, he met with U.S. General Curtis Scaparrotti, then NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe.
These meetings are clear evidence of the trust both sides place in Baku, and they acknowledge Azerbaijan’s role as a credible and constructive partner. In doing so, Azerbaijan has built an image of a state that understands the weight of the mission entrusted to it and approaches de-escalation with great seriousness and care.
Azerbaijan, by maintaining an independent foreign policy and refusing to be drawn into military blocs, has firmly established itself as a respected international actor with a well-calibrated strategic approach. The country’s role in regional and global affairs is only growing. It is entirely possible that, going forward, Baku will be increasingly seen — by actors across various global conflicts — as a facilitator of balance, stability, and security.
By maintaining a peace-oriented posture, Azerbaijan contributes to the resolution of major crises and helps parties move toward compromise. While Ankara and Tel Aviv engage in direct talks aimed at preventing further escalation in Syria, Baku is doing everything in its power to keep that dialogue alive.
Alla Zeydullayeva
