Turkey’s expanding influence in region must be monitored and assessed – Vladimir Kireyev

Speaking with Alpha News, Vladimir Kireyev, head of the analytical department of the international Eurasian Movement, commented on the trilateral meeting of the defense ministers of Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Georgia, which will be held in Ankara.

According to the expert, the integration efforts among Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Georgia pose a threat to Russia, Armenia, and Iran.

“This is not the first meeting between the defense ministers of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey. These three countries have long maintained fruitful cooperation across a broad spectrum of issues. At this meeting, the defense ministers are discussing a wide range of topics—from customs cooperation to ensuring investment and transport flows both within the region and transcontinental routes from China and India to Europe and Russia.

Such cooperation is mutually beneficial for all parties—Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. However, it is important to note that the discussion of military-technical cooperation plays a key role at the meeting. Essentially, this interaction is part of Turkey’s process of expanding its influence, both globally and in the region. Formally, it is not directed against third countries, but in practice, these integration efforts pose a threat to the interests of other regional states not included in this alliance—primarily Iran, Armenia, and Russia,” Kireyev said.

According to the political scientist, Turkey’s expanding influence in the region must be monitored, and alternative integration initiatives should be developed in response.

“While this factor is not yet so noticeable in the short term, over the next 10-20 years, the pressure on the interests of Iran, Armenia, and Russia will only intensify. Therefore, it is necessary to closely monitor these processes, adequately assess them at the government, public, and expert levels, and also put forward our own alternative integration projects in response to Turkey’s growing influence in the region,” Kireyev concluded.