Despite their allied status, relations between Azerbaijan and Turkiye face disagreements over domestic politics, the normalisation of relations with Armenia, and the Middle East. According to Elmira Talibzade, Leading Analyst at the Caucasus Policy Analysis Center and a Candidate of Political Sciences, these differences do not yet threaten the foundations of bilateral cooperation, but they highlight diverging interests and foreign policy priorities.

 

The strategic partnership between Baku and Ankara, formalised by the 2021 Shusha Declaration, is based on cooperation in security, energy, and transport. However, shared strategic interests do not preclude disagreements on specific political issues.

One source of tension has been statements by Turkish politicians regarding restrictions on wearing hijabs in Azerbaijani schools. In Baku, such comments may be perceived as interference in the country's internal affairs.

Another sensitive issue is the normalisation of Turkish-Armenian relations. Azerbaijan is interested in ensuring that this process takes into account progress in the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace process. Ankara, however, may pursue its own regional and diplomatic priorities.

Differences are also evident in Middle East policy. Turkiye maintains a hard-line stance towards Israel, while Azerbaijan continues to maintain partnerships with Israel, including in the military-technical sphere. This limits the extent to which the two countries can fully align their foreign policy approaches.

 

According to Talibzade, the current disagreements are predominantly informational in nature and do not affect the fundamental interests of either side. Nevertheless, the situation demonstrates that an alliance does not eliminate differences, and its continued stability depends on Baku and Ankara's ability to coordinate their positions without compromising their respective national interests.

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22.10.2026 09:15