"No force can today prevent peace in the region, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Khalaf Khalafov said at the international conference on 'Azerbaijani-Turkish strategic allied relations - the source of peace and stability for the Caucasus and the region' dedicated to the first anniversary of the Shusha Declaration is being held in Shusha, Report informs.
According to him, the system of political dialogue between Azerbaijan and Turkiye has intensified over the past year since the signing of the Shusha Declaration: "Turkiye's presence in the Karabakh region is of special importance for our country, and this participation will contribute to the security of the region as a whole. The delimitation of the state borders between Azerbaijan and Armenia is an important and political issue. Azerbaijan-Armenia, as well as neighbouring countries, must continue this work. This process should be prevented by any comments and obstacles. Armenian political circles voice conflicting views on the establishment of peace. We consider these views inappropriate and invalid. Because there is no alternative to peace. Given the potential, no force can prevent peace in the region today."
Khalafov said Shusha is a symbol of Azerbaijan's victory: "If we are talking about the Second Karabakh War, the liberation of Shusha from occupation is the cornerstone of this victory. One of the key issues today is the peace agenda set by President Ilham Aliyev. We are making every effort around this issue. Many items of the Shusha Declaration are aimed at advancing this peace agenda."
The Deputy Minister stressed that Azerbaijan-Turkiye relations have reached a peak with the Shusha Declaration.
"The Shusha Declaration defines the political and legal mechanisms for building an alliance between the two countries based on interaction and support," Khalafov said. "The declaration enhances joint efforts to strengthen stability and security in the Caucasus region, restore all economic and transport ties, and ensure long-term peace."