Turkey, Iran and Azerbaijan have announced their intention to heighten the level of economic cooperation and implement several joint economic projects. The declaration signed by the foreign ministers of the three countries on April 16 in Urmia passed unnoticed by the Russian and world press.
The intentions of the parties are caused by the toughened sanctions against Iran. Turkey is ready to play the role of regional connecting link. The course of harmonization with Iran is in conflict with the wishes of Turkey's western allies. However, they have nothing to oppose the independent policy of Turkey.
The inclusion of Iran in the Azerbaijan-Turkey duet does not contradict the general aspirations of Baku. Taking into consideration Teheran's controversial and sometimes incoherent political course in the sphere of contacts with Armenia, improvements in the relationship with Teheran is logical, as part of a policy of confronting Armenia and ousting it from the schemes of regional interaction. It is no coincidence that the necessity of the settlement of conflicts within the bounds of a state's territorial integrity and the inviolability of borders was fixed in a nine-clause declaration.
The three countries confirmed the right to use nuclear technologies within the framework of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and declared their intention to make joint investments in the spheres of energy, tourism, etc. A trilateral committee on economic issues is to be created, custom duties reduced, border crossings made easier and border control points restored. Consular services will also get a special body for solving the problems of the citizens crossing the border. In this context, Turkey, Iran and Azerbaijan will achieve more efficient interchange of data in the sphere of security in order to fight terrorism, arms- and drug-smuggling and illegal immigration more efficiently. The ministers have also arranged for the three countries to promote joint cultural programmes. There is also a clause concerning the relations of the three countries in international organizations.
There is a possibility that the document will remain just a promising piece of paper. One of its weaknesses is the fact that it was signed by the foreign ministers, but not by the heads of state. However, a big treaty may follow. The existing conflicts, as well as international isolation in the region, may hamper the implementation of joint projects. However, the cultural part of program can be considered completely practicable.
Eugeny Krishtalyov, exclusively to VK
