Türkiye, Azerbaijan explore ways to deepen border cooperation in Kars

A forum aimed at enhancing economic cooperation between the border regions of Türkiye and Azerbaijan was held in Kars on June 17.

The event, organized to mark the "Year of Constitution and Sovereignty" of Azerbaijan, brought together Azerbaijani Ambassador to Türkiye Rashad Mammadov, Consul General in Kars Zamin Aliyev, Chairman of the Board of the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (KOBİA) Orkhan Mammadov, Kars Governor Ziya Polat, Mayor of Kars Municipality Ötüken Senger, and representatives of chambers of commerce, industry, and business circles from both countries — including participants from Kars, Ardahan, Iğdır, Ağrı, and Erzurum.

Supported by the Kars Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the forum aimed to establish a platform for business dialogue between the two countries’ border provinces and to highlight new economic opportunities.

In his remarks, Ambassador Rashad Mammadov underlined the strong Azerbaijan-Türkiye ties based on the principle of "One nation, two states," emphasizing Türkiye’s unwavering support for Azerbaijan and the solidarity between the two nations. He also noted the active role of Turkish companies in reconstruction efforts in the Azerbaijani territories liberated from occupation, and expressed confidence in further increasing investments.

KOBİA Chairman Orkhan Mammadov highlighted the role of high-level political dialogue between Baku and Ankara in boosting economic and trade relations. He reaffirmed Türkiye’s position as one of Azerbaijan’s key trade partners and outlined available mechanisms to support entrepreneurship in Azerbaijan.

Governor Ziya Polat encouraged participants to build new partnerships and implement joint projects, pledging local authorities’ readiness to support and collaborate with entrepreneurs.

The forum featured discussions on strengthening economic ties, exchanging experiences, and exploring new investment avenues.

Ramin Abdullayev

Special correspondent