Geopolitical Insinuations of Azerbaijan’s Defense Diplomacy with Saudi Arabia and Turkey
Dr. Zheer Ahmed
The Minister of Defense of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov held high-level meetings with military delegations from Saudi Arabia and Turkey during their official visits to Azerbaijan. These engagements highlight the growing strategic importance of Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus and its role in fostering regional and international military cooperation. The discussions emphasized military ties as also shed light on the broader geopolitical dynamics at play in the region.
During his meeting with the Saudi delegation, Colonel General Hasanov underscored the deep-rooted relations between Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia. These ties, founded on principles of friendship and brotherhood under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, have gained new momentum in recent years. The Saudi delegation’s participation in the 5th Anniversary of Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition (ADEX), held in Baku from September 24–26, 2024, signifies Riyadh’s commitment to strengthening defense and security cooperation with Azerbaijan.
On the same day, Colonel General Hasanov hosted a Turkish delegation led by Colonel General Yaşar Kadıoğlu, Chief of the National Intelligence Department of the Armed Forces of Turkey. The meeting underscored the strategic alliance between Azerbaijan and Turkey, which has been cemented through shared history, culture, and mutual interests. This relationship has grown stronger following the 44-day Patriotic War, during which Tukey provided unwavering support to Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan’s Defense Diplomacy
Azerbaijan’s engagement with Saudi Arabia and Turkey highlights its growing influence in the West Asian and Eurasian regions. The trilateral cooperation involving Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia underscores the strategic alignment of these nations, driven by shared interests in regional stability, energy security, and countering common threats. The participation of Saudi Arabia in ADEX 2024 demonstrates Riyadh’s interest in exploring defense partnerships beyond its traditional alliances, reflecting a diversification of its foreign policy. Turkey’s role in this equation is equally significant. As a long, standing ally of Azerbaijan, Turkey has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s defense capabilities and supporting its territorial integrity. Turkey and Azerbaijan conducted joint military exercises, such as the ‘Mustafa Kemal Ataturk-2023’ drill. The drills, which are conducted in several locations of Azerbaijan, involve up to 3,000 troops, 130 pieces of armored vehicles, up to 100 artillery vehicles, more than 20 aviation and aircraft as well as engineering equipment and small boats. The deepening military cooperation between the two nations not only strengthens their bilateral ties, but also serves as a counterbalance to regional powers like Russia and Iran, which have vested interests in the South Caucasus.
Azerbaijan’s strategic importance as an energy supplier adds another layer of complexity to its defense diplomacy. The country’s vast oil and gas reserves make it a critical partner for nations seeking to diversify their energy sources. Strengthened ties with Saudi Arabia, a leading global energy producer could open new avenues for cooperation in the energy sector, enhancing Azerbaijan’s role as a bridge between Europe and West Asia. Similarly, Turkey’s position as a transit hub for Azerbaijani energy exports to Europe underscores the economic interdependence between the two nations. The strategic alignment between Azerbaijan and Turkey in defense and energy sectors reinforces their collective influence in regional and global affairs.
Azerbaijan’s defense diplomacy with Saudi Arabia and Turkey also reflects its broader strategy of balancing relationships with major regional powers. By strengthening ties with Riyadh and Ankara, Baku seeks to counterbalance the influence of Russia and Iran in the South Caucasus. This approach aligns with Azerbaijan’s multi-vector foreign policy, which aims to maintain strategic autonomy while fostering partnerships with key allies.
However, this balancing act faces multiple challenges. The geopolitical rivalries between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iran, as well as the ongoing tensions between Russia and the West created a complex environment for Azerbaijan to navigate. Maintaining constructive relationships with all stakeholders, Azerbaijan needs careful diplomacy and strategic foresight for broader regional security. The trilateral working meeting on intelligence underscores the importance of intelligence sharing and coordinated efforts to address regional security threats. This cooperation could pave the way for joint initiatives to security threats, regional pressures and other challenges that transcend national borders. Such efforts not only enhance the security of the Caucasus nation, but also contribute to the stability of the broader region.
Finally, the trilateral meeting reflects Azerbaijan’s strategic efforts to strengthen its regional and global ties. These engagements highlighted Azerbaijan’s role as a key player in the South Caucasus and its commitment to fostering regional stability and security. By deepening its ties with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, Azerbaijan is positioning itself as a bridge between Europe, the West Asia and Eurasia. This approach not only enhances its strategic importance, but also provides a platform for addressing shared challenges and advancing common interests. As Azerbaijan continues to navigate the complexities of regional and global geopolitics, its defense diplomacy will remain a critical tool for promoting stability, fostering cooperation, and securing its national interests.
Dr. Zheer Ahmed, Assistant Professor at the Centre of Excellence for Geopolitics and International Studies, REVA University, Bengaluru.
