Al Jazeera English’s Inside Story program discussed the future of U.S.–Turkiye relations following the Washington meeting between President Donald Trump and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Guests included political analyst Alan Makovsky from Washington DC, political analyst Dr. Ahmad Shahidov from Baku, and international relations expert Barin Kayaoglu from Ankara.
Speaking during the program, Ahmad Shahidov emphasized that U.S.–Turkiye relations are not just a diplomatic issue for the South Caucasus, but a direct factor in security and stability. “If the U.S. and Turkiye act in coordination, tensions in the region decrease and stability takes root. If not, the vacuum will inevitably strengthen the influence of Russia or Iran,” he said.
Commenting on Azerbaijan’s cooperation with both Turkiye and the United States, Shahidov underlined that these ties offer unique opportunities for Baku: “Our alliance with Turkiye is unshakable, but at the same time we cooperate with the U.S. in energy, security, and diplomacy. If the Trump–Erdoğan meeting brings the two sides closer, Azerbaijan can further strengthen its role as a trusted partner and a bridge between them.”
Ahmad Shahidov also highlighted the importance of energy and strategic transport routes, stressing that the future of projects such as the Southern Gas Corridor and the Middle Corridor depends on U.S.–Turkiye relations: “If these ties develop positively, Europe’s energy security will be reinforced and the South Caucasus will emerge as a new strategic hub.”
