Milli Majlis working group on Azerbaijan–Türkiye interparliamentary relations issues statement
Baku, October 13, AZERTAC
The Working Group on Azerbaijan–Türkiye interparliamentary relations of the Milli Majlis has issued a statement.
The statement reads:
“The conduct of a biased information campaign against Azerbaijan in recent times across certain media outlets and social media platforms in Türkiye, as well as unfounded accusations against our country made by some members of parliament from the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and Oktay Saral, chief adviser to the President of Türkiye, are a source of serious concern and regret for the Working Group on Azerbaijan–Türkiye interparliamentary relations.
Azerbaijan and Türkiye enjoy relations of friendship, brotherhood and strategic alliance. Azerbaijan is an independent and sovereign state that defines its domestic and foreign policy in accordance with its national interests and Constitution. The principle of ‘One nation, two states,’ formulated by National Leader Heydar Aliyev, specifically implies the existence of two independent and sovereign states. Distorting the essence of this principle or using it as a pretext to interfere in Azerbaijan’s internal affairs or impose external political and ideological approaches on Azerbaijani society is unacceptable.
Azerbaijan’s secular state structure and freedom of belief are guaranteed by the Constitution. The country’s education policy is based on the principles of secularism, equality and equal opportunities for all citizens. The rules applied in educational institutions apply equally to all citizens and are not directed against any religious affiliation. Politicizing these issues on religious or ideological grounds and making unfounded accusations against Azerbaijan’s constitutional structure and education policy are inadmissible.
The use of insulting and slanderous expressions against President and Victorious Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, our people, our history and prominent personalities is also unacceptable and causes justified discontent among the Azerbaijani public. We regret to note that the AK Party government has taken no steps to prevent such actions. The tolerance shown toward provocative actions outside Azerbaijan’s diplomatic missions in Türkiye, as well as calls for such actions, also raises serious questions.
We believe that the special nature of Azerbaijan–Türkiye relations requires adherence to the principles of political responsibility, mutual respect and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. The statements of individual political figures should not damage relations between the two countries.
As the Working Group on Azerbaijan–Türkiye interparliamentary relations, we expect the relevant political circles in Türkiye, including representatives of the ruling political party in parliament, to approach these sensitive issues responsibly, demonstrate respect for Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and constitutional structure, and refrain from statements that could negatively affect bilateral relations.”
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