Today, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, held a meeting with high-ranking officials from Turkic states. The meeting was attended by Mehmet Süreyya Er, Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA), Numan Kurtulmuş, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Yerlan Koshanov, Chairman of the Mazhilis of the Kazakh Parliament, Nurlanbek Shakiev, Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh of Kyrgyzstan, Tanzila Norbaeva, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, Zorlu Töre, President of the National Assembly of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and Márta Mátrai, Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly.
President Ilham Aliyev emphasized the importance of strengthening the unity of the Turkic world, noting that enhancing relations with Turkic states is a priority in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy. He expressed confidence that the upcoming TURKPA plenary session in Baku would yield positive results and further solidify Turkic unity.
Aliyev announced an informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States to be held in Shusha in a month’s time. The main topics of the summit will be related to transportation and climate, highlighting the significance of developing transport links and addressing climate issues as vital aspects of cooperation among Turkic states.
The President underlined the symbolic significance of holding the summit in Shusha, a city liberated from occupation nearly four years ago, and acknowledged the active participation of brotherly countries in the restoration of liberated territories. He expressed gratitude to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan for building schools and cultural centers in these areas, and to Kyrgyzstan for the recent groundbreaking of a school in the Aghdam district.
Aliyev noted the active involvement of Turkish companies in infrastructure projects on the liberated lands, including roads, tunnels, and railways, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in the transport sector for uniting the Turkic world.
The President also highlighted climate issues, mentioning that Azerbaijan will host the COP29 conference this year, a significant honor and responsibility. He stressed the importance of discussing climate-related topics with brotherly countries in preparation for this global event.
Addressing support from Hungary, Aliyev expressed gratitude for Hungary’s principled stance and defense of Azerbaijan’s interests at the European Union level, despite pressure from some EU countries. He remarked that following the Second Karabakh War and the subsequent anti-terrorist operation, certain EU countries began baseless and unjust attacks against Azerbaijan, siding with the aggressor and tarnishing the victim. Aliyev emphasized that Hungary, despite facing pressure and sanctions, remained on the side of justice and defended Azerbaijan’s rights.
Márta Mátrai, Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, thanked President Aliyev for the warm reception and underscored the importance of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Hungary. She stated that Hungary would continue to support Azerbaijan on the international stage and expressed hope for further strengthening bilateral relations.
President Aliyev provided an update on the progress of restoring liberated territories, mentioning that four cities and four villages have already been rebuilt, with over 7,000 former internally displaced persons having returned to their native lands. By the end of the year, this number is expected to reach 20,000. He highlighted that Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur are set to become some of the most developed regions in the world.
The President also noted that cooperation among Turkic states extends beyond political and economic matters to include cultural projects. He cited the construction of schools and cultural centers supported by brotherly countries as symbols of unity and collaboration.
In conclusion, President Aliyev expressed confidence in the further strengthening of Turkic unity and emphasized the importance of joint efforts to transform this potential into a great global force. He noted that Turkic states should continue to cooperate and support each other in various fields to ensure stability and prosperity in the region.
