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Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has proposed expanding defense cooperation among Turkic states while making clear that he is not calling for the creation of a military organization.
In an interview broadcast late Monday by Azerbaijani television outlets, Aliyev recalled his proposal at the 12th summit of the Organization of Turkic States last October to hold joint military exercises among member countries.
Aliyev said strengthening military potential has become essential, arguing that “there is no such thing as international law in today’s world.”
He stressed that no country should target another’s territorial integrity but added that states must be strong enough to deter any such intentions.
“We cooperate with Türkiye in the format of a formal alliance, including a military alliance,” Aliyev said. “However, it would be good if the Turkic states, which are our family, also started cooperating in this direction.”
He clarified that the proposal does not involve establishing a military bloc, noting that Turkic states already cooperate in energy, transport, trade and investment.
“Why not cooperate in this area as well?” he asked, adding that if there is broad agreement, joint exercises could be held this year.
Aliyev said he had proposed joint drills for 2026 during the OTS summit, citing what he described as extensive cooperation among member states in military, defense and security fields.
The OTS includes Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan as members, while Hungary, Turkmenistan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus hold observer status.
Aliyev also addressed reports about Azerbaijan’s possible participation in an international stabilization force in Gaza, saying Baku has not agreed to take part and needs clarity on the mission’s mandate.
He said Azerbaijan has received requests regarding potential stabilization operations but stressed that it remains unclear who would authorize such a force and what its scope would be.
Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan has never taken part in combat operations abroad and would not consider doing so.
Aliyev rejected remarks made late last year by U.S. Representative to the UN Mike Waltz, suggesting Azerbaijan had agreed to join a proposed International Stabilization Force in Gaza.
He said Azerbaijan informed the U.S. administration through diplomatic channels that such statements were unacceptable and misleading.
According to Aliyev, Baku submitted a questionnaire with over 20 questions to the US side, adding that “until these questions are clarified, no participation by Azerbaijan in any mission is envisioned.”
The proposed force is part of a ceasefire plan outlined by US President Donald Trump and is intended to oversee reconstruction and security efforts in Gaza following Israel’s two-year military campaign.
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