The Turkish Minister of National Defense, Yaşar Güler, spoke in a recent interview about how Ankara envisions a lasting peace in the region following the Azerbaijani Armed Forces’ operation in Nagorno-Karabakh. He framed the moment as a pivot toward stability that would shape relations for years to come, emphasizing that the military effort aimed to restore security and deter renewed aggression in the South Caucasus.
Güler noted the statements coming out of Karabakh in the immediate aftermath of the operation, where representatives of the armed formations disclosed their willingness to lay down arms. They reportedly pledged to surrender all weaponry and relocate from the area. In concert with this, Moscow’s position was cited as recognizing that control of the lands in question rested with Azerbaijan, a point Güler affirmed during the discussion. The exchange underscores a regional dynamic where multiple powers are watching the developments closely and signaling their intent to maintain a stable border and political order.
During the interview, the Turkish minister also addressed assertions attributed to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who claimed that Yerevan was not responsible for the actions of those in Karabakh. Güler questioned the basis of such statements, asking who might be backing the Armenian side’s claims and whether those claims could be substantiated. This line of inquiry reflects the wider challenge of attribution and accountability in the aftermath of conflict and the fragile trust that must underpin any lasting settlement.
Looking forward, Güler expressed hope that the current sequence of events would lay the groundwork for durable peace in the region. He highlighted the importance of Armenia taking its responsibilities seriously and urged that the provisions of any peace agreement be implemented promptly. The minister suggested that a timely and faithful implementation would foster an atmosphere of calm, security, and cooperative engagement among the regional states, paving the way for economic and social recovery in areas affected by the conflict.
In a broader sense, Güler noted the close cooperation with Azerbaijan on security matters and congratulated Azerbaijan’s defense leadership on what he referred to as the successful completion of the operation in Karabakh. He acknowledged the joint efforts that contributed to this phase of the process and underscored the necessity of maintaining vigilance to ensure that gains are not reversed and that commitments to disengagement and verification are sustained over time.
Historically, the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh has been a focal point of regional tension, drawing attention from international mediators and neighboring powers. The sequence of events described by Güler reflects a moment when a new political reality could emerge, one built on clarified borders, a formal resolution framework, and a commitment to peaceful coexistence. The challenge remains to implement confidence-building measures, ensure the protection of civilian populations, and support intractable political negotiations that address long-standing grievances and aspirations on both sides.
Since the onset of the operation in September, the international community has called for restraint while recognizing the right of states in the region to preserve sovereignty and territorial integrity. The statements credited to Russian peacekeepers about monitoring the process through a dedicated mission add a pragmatic layer to the plan, suggesting that verification mechanisms will be essential to sustaining trust between Baku, Stepanakert, and their respective allies. As time progresses, the focus will be on concrete steps: disbanding armed formations, removing heavy equipment, and ensuring the orderly withdrawal of forces, all under the watchful eyes of observers who can attest to compliance.
The exchanges between Yerevan and Baku, while in their early phases, signal an ongoing dialogue about normalization and incremental steps toward a durable détente. The unfolding narrative will likely explore security guarantees, economic cooperation, and mutually beneficial regional initiatives designed to reduce the risk of relapse into conflict. In this context, the region’s leaders face a shared responsibility to translate political commitments into everyday improvements for citizens, including stability, safer streets, and opportunities for growth that can help heal the wounds of years of fighting.