The move formalizes collective-defense language within an already close alliance and carries implications for regional security architecture.

The memorandum was signed on July 22, 2025, in Istanbul by Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov and Türkiye’s National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler.

It builds on earlier defense frameworks, notably the 2021 Shusha Declaration and a 2010 strategic partnership agreement.

Collective Defense Codified

The ratification marks a shift from declaratory partnership toward codified mutual-defense obligations between Azerbaijan and Türkiye. Approved by the Milli Majlis on December 16, 2025, the bill endorses a memorandum that explicitly commits both parties to assist each other in the event of armed aggression, invoking the right to individual or collective self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.

The text anchors a legal basis for military support that had previously rested on political declarations.

While Azerbaijan and Türkiye have described their relationship as “one nation, two states” for decades, the memorandum narrows ambiguity by setting out a clear commitment mechanism rather than relying solely on strategic alignment or ad hoc coordination.

“Not Directed Against Third Countries”

Officials emphasized that the memorandum is not aimed at any third country and is framed as a contribution to regional peace and stability.

The agreement explicitly states that its provisions are defensive in nature, a formulation consistent with earlier bilateral documents and Azerbaijan’s public positioning since the 2020 conflict over Karabakh.

This language mirrors the Shusha Declaration signed in 2021, which outlined allied relations but stopped short of fully operational mutual-defense clauses.

By contrast, the 2025 memorandum articulates assistance obligations in the event of aggression, providing a clearer reference point for military planning and legal interpretation.

Expanding Military Cooperation Scope

Beyond collective defense, the memorandum broadens cooperation across multiple military domains.

These include joint exercises, professional military education and training, defense-industry collaboration, logistics coordination, and measures to enhance interoperability between the two armed forces.

Such provisions reflect an expansion from symbolic partnership to practical integration.

Azerbaijan and Türkiye have conducted joint drills for years, but the formal inclusion of logistics and industrial cooperation signals a deeper alignment, potentially affecting procurement, sustainment, and standardization practices across both militaries.

Ratification Asymmetry And Legal Status

Türkiye had not yet completed its own ratification process.

Under the memorandum’s terms, the agreement enters into force only after both sides complete domestic approval procedures.

The staggered ratification underscores that, while political alignment is longstanding, legal finalization still follows national legislative timelines.

Azerbaijani media including APA.az, Trend.az, Azernews.az, and News.az cited parliamentary discussions confirming the December 16 vote and framing it as a continuation of defense commitments dating back to 2010.