Ankara wants pragmatism on oil and principles from Baku

In a column for AzerNEWS, Farman Aydin asks whether Ankara regards Baku as an equal sovereign partner or as an ally whose foreign policy should conform to Turkish expectations. The question comes amid controversy over oil exports through the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline. The author argues that strategic partnerships cannot rely on historical sentiment alone and require mutual respect, consistent principles, and recognition that even close allies retain the right to pursue their own national interests.

The debate centres on oil reaching Israel through Türkiye's Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. Energy-tracking data from companies such as Kpler has been cited in discussions about continued crude shipments from the terminal to Israel. Aydin notes that establishing precise volumes and origins requires careful examination. Turkish officials have invoked international agreements and legal obligations to explain why Ankara cannot simply halt oil transit. Aydin accepts that this argument has a legitimate basis, but says the same principle must apply to Azerbaijan.

Aydin writes that Azerbaijan has pursued relations with both Israel and Palestine, reflecting a foreign policy shaped by national interests and regional realities rather than Türkiye's priorities. He concludes that the partnership should not be weakened and that its durability depends on whether both sides can accept disagreement without turning it into a test of allegiance.