Analysis by Farhad Mammadov (@mneniyefm)
BAKU, Oct. 2, 2025
A few days ago, several Turkish media outlets and journalists published fake photographs of the Azerbaijani delegation “applauding Netanyahu.” In Azerbaijan, the fabrication was quickly identified, and Ankara found and punished the journalist who created it.
This once again reminds us of the need to look closely at the relationship between Azerbaijan and Turkey and to show the full depth and scale of their alliance. The partnership is rich in substance, but it is the emotional dimension that adversaries try to exploit. Even the smallest snowflake can turn into a snowball in no time. That is why words and actions must always be approached with the utmost responsibility.
The depth of relations can be seen across many fields. Megaprojects have been implemented to deliver Azerbaijani energy resources to global markets, providing Baku with financial revenues and Ankara with energy diversification. Mutual investments exceed thirty billion dollars, most of which – over twenty billion – are Azerbaijani investments in Turkey. Azerbaijan also supports Turkey’s technological leap, particularly in weapons systems.
On the geopolitical level, the two countries back each other in the international arena. Azerbaijan holds a central place in Turkey’s policy toward the South Caucasus and Central Asia, and Turkey’s achievements in the region have been possible thanks to its alliance with Azerbaijan. Baku also plays a key role in the Organization of Turkic States, acting as an initiator and consistent driver of integration among Turkic nations.
Beyond the Caucasus, Azerbaijan supports Turkey’s policies in the Middle East – in Syria, Iraq, and elsewhere – as well as Ankara’s positions in the Eastern Mediterranean, including on the TRNC and in disputes with Greece and Cyprus. Activities are coordinated in Africa, while the trilateral Baku–Ankara–Islamabad format is gaining substance. There are constant consultations on the Russia–Ukraine war and relations with the EU, and even efforts to create dialogue platforms between Turkey and Israel to reduce tensions.
Turkey is becoming more influential with each passing year, but its influence does not always match its economic resources. Here Azerbaijan steps in with its own resources to help sustain Ankara’s rise.
The leadership of Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been key. For Azerbaijan, Turkey’s success is a genuine goal, because Baku has invested heavily in it – and those investments must bring dividends, both economic and geopolitical.
For this reason, every distortion or provocation, such as fake news and information attacks, must be stopped at the root so they do not create negative narratives. Azerbaijan is not a satellite and not a junior partner. It is a responsible ally of Turkey, sincerely committed to Ankara’s strengthening and prosperity, because in that it sees its own strength and prosperity.
Azerbaijan has its own independent views, aimed at building platforms to resolve Turkey’s problems whenever Ankara faces crises with other actors. Any state seeking to expand its influence would value an ally like Azerbaijan. In this, Turkey is fortunate and must cherish and make full use of Azerbaijan’s opportunities on the international stage.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the editorial board.
