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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has put forth a bold proposition in the world of international diplomacy. He has offered to convene a top-level meeting, involving Russia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia, focused on the contentious Nagorno-Karabakh issue.
In an era where diplomatic breakthroughs are often few and far between, such a proposal underscores Turkey's commitment to finding resolutions for regional tensions. "Yes, it is our priority to hold trilateral talks as planned earlier.
Yet we also suggested meeting in a four-party format as well. Meaning, myself, [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, [Azerbaijani President] Ilham Aliyev and [Armenian Prime Minister Nikol] Pashinyan. I said, let’s get together and discuss the steps that need to be taken," Erdogan stated emphatically.
The Turkish leader disclosed this proposal during a press conference in Istanbul, shortly before his departure for New York.
Waiting for Responses
As of the announcement, the Turkish President has yet to receive an affirmative or a negative reply from the involved nations.
This proposed gathering, if accepted, would bring together key players from the region in an effort to address and potentially resolve the long-standing conflict surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh—a region internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but governed by ethnic Armenians.
The significance of this proposed meeting should not be understated. Given the tumultuous history surrounding this territory, bringing these leaders together in one room to discuss possible resolutions is a noteworthy endeavor.
Historically, the Nagorno-Karabakh region has been the epicenter of tension and armed conflicts between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with Russia playing a critical mediating role. A summit involving all these players would undoubtedly catch the world's attention, setting a stage for what could be a transformative dialogue in Eurasian geopolitics.
Furthermore, the fact that President Erdogan made this announcement ahead of his trip to New York could imply that the issue may find its way to the United Nations' platform, amplifying its international importance.