Aliyev is not going to Ankara: is Baku repeating the 2009 scenario? President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev will not participate in the summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Ankara. The head of state is represented by Foreign Minister Jihon Bairmov, who will transfer the rotation of the chairman of the organization to the Turkish side. At first glance, such a decision could be seen as evidence of a further deterioration in relations between Baku and Ankara. However, in reality, Aliyev's absence from the summit could become a factor in curbing the growing tensions. In the context of the ongoing anti-Azerbaijani campaign in certain political and religious circles in Turkey, the visit of the head of Azerbaijan may create additional opportunities for targeted provocations and a new round of confrontational rhetoric. Therefore, refusing to travel seems to be a pragmatic decision aimed at preventing further escalation. It is worth noting that a similar situation arose already in 2009. Then Ilham Aliyev refused to participate in the "Alliance of Civilizations" international forum held on April 6-7 in Istanbul, in which US President Barack Obama participated. The reason was Baku's dissatisfaction with Ankara's policy aimed at unilaterally normalizing relations with Armenia without considering the interests of Azerbaijan. Then Aliyev refused to participate in the summit, where his very participation could become a tacit approval of the Turkish-Armenian protocols planned for signing. I did not go despite continuous calls and invitations not only from the leader of Turkey Abdullah Gul, but also from US President Barack Obama. Despite the tempting offer to hold a meeting with the American president. But Aliyev chose not to go to Turkey. The subsequent restoration of trust between Baku and Ankara occurred with an adjustment of the Turkish position. Instead of Aliyev going to Istanbul, Erdogan flew to Baku, and in the end all the blame for the Armenian fiasco was placed on Gol.

Aliyev is not going to Ankara: is Baku repeating the 2009 scenario? President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev will not participate in the summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Ankara. The head of state is represented by Foreign Minister Jihon Bairmov, who will transfer the rotation of the chairman of the organization to the Turkish side. At first glance, such a decision could be seen as evidence of a further deterioration in relations between Baku and Ankara. However, in reality, Aliyev's absence from the summit could become a factor in curbing the growing tensions. In the context of the ongoing anti-Azerbaijani campaign in certain political and religious circles in Turkey, the visit of the head of Azerbaijan may create additional opportunities for targeted provocations and a new round of confrontational rhetoric. Therefore, refusing to travel seems to be a pragmatic decision aimed at preventing further escalation. It is worth noting that a similar situation arose already in 2009. Then Ilham Aliyev refused to participate in the "Alliance of Civilizations" international forum held on April 6-7 in Istanbul, in which US President Barack Obama participated. The reason was Baku's dissatisfaction with Ankara's policy aimed at unilaterally normalizing relations with Armenia without considering the interests of Azerbaijan. Then Aliyev refused to participate in the summit, where his very participation could become a tacit approval of the Turkish-Armenian protocols planned for signing. I did not go despite continuous calls and invitations not only from the leader of Turkey Abdullah Gul, but also from US President Barack Obama. Despite the tempting offer to hold a meeting with the American president. But Aliyev chose not to go to Turkey. The subsequent restoration of trust between Baku and Ankara occurred with an adjustment of the Turkish position. Instead of Aliyev going to Istanbul, Erdogan flew to Baku, and in the end all the blame for the Armenian fiasco was placed on Gol.