In a rapidly shifting global geopolitical landscape, the role of so-called middle powers is becoming increasingly prominent. The outdated theories of dominance by one or a few global power centers are giving way to the realization that even countries of modest size and economic weight can shape political processes within their own regions—without being subject to the will of the global giants. This was clearly demonstrated by the trilateral summit held on May 28, 2025, in the city of Lachin, attended by the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Türkiye, Ilham Aliyev and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
The summit took place on the 107th anniversary of the founding of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, which added powerful symbolic significance to the meeting. Over a century ago, this very place witnessed the early formation of the geopolitical identity that today shapes the relations between the three countries. Back then, Türkiye stood by Azerbaijan in its struggle for an independent future, and even earlier, Azerbaijani millionaire and philanthropist Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev personally sent over 300,000 doses of a plague vaccine to Pakistan, effectively saving its population from disaster. After Pakistan gained independence in 1947, this gesture was included in the nation’s schoolbooks.
Although history took a detour when Azerbaijan lost its independence, a century later the three nations are reunited—with Azerbaijan once again serving as the bridge. But this time, they stand together on the global stage in a new capacity.
Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Pakistan have each emerged as regional victors in longstanding conflicts: with Armenia, Kurdish terrorism, and revanchist Indian forces upset by the division of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir. Now, these countries are focused on stabilizing their respective regions, where their influence and standing have significantly strengthened.
During the summit, the leaders of Pakistan and Azerbaijan congratulated Türkiye’s President on the self-dissolution of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), marking the end of more than 40 years of Türkiye’s struggle against Kurdish extremism. While further efforts are needed to fully eliminate this threat on a local level, the political “spine” of Kurdish terrorism has been broken.
At the same time, the presidents of Azerbaijan and Türkiye reaffirmed their support for Pakistan’s Prime Minister in managing the recent tensions with India, wishing the Pakistani people a swift resolution and stable agreements that guarantee regional peace—based on UN General Assembly resolutions and other international legal instruments regarding the India–Pakistan conflict.
In his speech, President Ilham Aliyev proposed holding regular high-level meetings in this trilateral format—an initiative that was unanimously supported. Thus, the political axis of Baku–Ankara–Islamabad is becoming a reality and an important element in the regional and international order.
According to Aliyev, the strategic position and dynamic economic potential of the three countries offer vast opportunities for mutual benefit.
“We believe that cooperation in political, economic, energy, investment, transportation, defense, agriculture, information technology, and other fields will continue to grow at an accelerated pace through joint projects and programs,” the Azerbaijani president concluded.
Meanwhile, in the foreseeable future, security cooperation will remain a central element of this trilateral format. Joint military exercises among Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Pakistan have become a key component of their strategic partnership, aiming to strengthen defense capabilities and ensure regional stability.
The first such exercise—“Three Brothers 2021”—was held in Baku in September 2021, involving special operations units from all three countries. The goal was to enhance combat interoperability and share operational experience.
In July 2024, the leaders agreed to make these exercises a regular practice, underscoring their importance in building military cooperation.
New joint drills are expected soon, further strengthening trilateral defense collaboration. Discussions are also underway to expand cooperation in defense industries and joint weapons production.
Thus, regular exercises serve as a vital tool to boost military readiness, coordination, and strategic alignment among the armed forces of Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Pakistan.
The summit concluded with a symbolic walk by the three leaders through Lachin—a city liberated and now being rebuilt. It was a powerful gesture, underlining the practical nature of this trilateral alliance and its alignment with long-term political interests. The traditions of friendship and brotherhood laid a century ago are now continuing with renewed force.
Ilgar Velizade
