Azerbaijan Grants Turkey Veto Power Over Its Decisions, Expert Claims
Translated & summarized from Channel 9 by baba
Expert Shai Gal claims Azerbaijan has given Turkey de facto veto power over its decisions, citing Baku's demand for changes to Armenia's constitution as part of a peace treaty. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is pushing for the treaty's swift signing, while coordinating with Azerbaijan. Gal also notes Azerbaijan's past support for Turkey on Cyprus and Pakistan, which has had negative consequences. He advises Azerbaijan to diversify its European routes and reassess its relationship with Ankara.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Azerbaijan has granted Turkey veto power over its decisions, according to geopolitical expert Shai Gal.
- Baku's demand for changes to Armenia's constitution, not in the initial peace treaty, exemplifies this, claims Gal.
- Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urges immediate signing of the Armenia peace treaty, stressing coordination with Azerbaijan.
- Gal warns Azerbaijan against supporting Turkish positions that contradict its own territorial integrity claims.
- Expert advises Azerbaijan to develop alternative European trade routes and reassess political coordination with Ankara.
An expert in geopolitical strategy and international politics, Shai Gal, argues that Azerbaijan has effectively granted Turkey veto power over its decisions, not through formal agreements, but by Baku's own initiative. Gal points to the unresolved peace treaty with Armenia, initialed in Washington in August 2025. This treaty, which recognizes former Soviet borders and prohibits future territorial claims, has yet to be signed. While Armenia's Constitutional Court has affirmed its alignment with border delimitation agreements, Azerbaijan is now demanding changes to the Armenian constitution, a condition not present in the agreed text. Gal suggests this allows Ankara, rather than Baku, to maintain control over the settlement process. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is urging the immediate signing of the treaty, emphasizing the need for coordination with Azerbaijan. Gal also notes Turkey's significant military aid to Azerbaijan in the 2020 war, alongside Israeli weaponry that also impacted the battlefield. The expert highlights other risks for Azerbaijan, such as its support for Turkey on Cyprus, which contradicts Azerbaijan's own territorial integrity claims against Armenia. Furthermore, Azerbaijan's backing of Pakistan in its conflict with India in 2025 led to boycotts from Indian tourists, despite a subsequent visit by India's Foreign Minister to Baku in October 2026 to discuss trade and investment. Gal advises Azerbaijan to develop alternative European routes via Georgia and the Black Sea, noting EU grants aimed at boosting regional infrastructure. He also points out the substantial economic interdependence, with Azerbaijan's SOCAR investing approximately $19.5 billion in Turkey. Gal advocates for expanded cooperation between Israel, Greece, Cyprus, and Armenia, potentially including an independent Azerbaijan. He concludes that Baku must sign the peace treaty with Yerevan, reassess its political coordination mechanisms with Ankara, and cease supporting Turkish positions that conflict with its own national interests.