On July 16, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, was warmly welcomed by an official representative of Azerbaijan at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport. The parties highly praised the level of relations between the two friendly nations.

At the “Zagulba” Palace, the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, cordially received the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

Following the official photo ceremony against the backdrop of the State Flags of both countries, bilateral talks were held between the National Leader of the Turkmen people and the head of Azerbaijan.

Warmly welcoming the Hero-Arkadag of Turkmenistan once again, President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude for accepting the invitation to visit Azerbaijan. He noted the successful development of mutually beneficial cooperation between the two republics in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic, energy, and cultural-humanitarian spheres. The President also conveyed his best wishes to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Expressing sincere appreciation for the invitation and the hospitality extended to the Turkmen delegation, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty also conveyed warm greetings from the President of Turkmenistan to Ilham Aliyev.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that his visit to Azerbaijan was aimed at further strengthening and expanding bilateral relations, consolidating achievements, and giving impetus to the implementation of new joint projects. The National Leader emphasized that the current level of interstate dialogue reflects the spirit of brotherhood, good neighborliness, and cooperation.

Speaking on political and diplomatic relations, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty pointed out the similarity and alignment of the two sides' views on pressing global and regional issues.

The National Leader of the Turkmen people expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan for being the first to support the proposal of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to declare 2025 as the “International Year of Peace and Trust” at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly.

Highlighting cooperation in the field of transport, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty stressed the importance of the two countries’ transport and infrastructure projects for regional development.

In the context of trade and economic cooperation, the National Leader noted the annual increase in mutual trade turnover, which testifies to the successful development of the partnership in this field.

The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty emphasized that both nations have preserved and developed the ancient art of carpet weaving for centuries. It was also noted that the Turkmen and Azerbaijani peoples deeply value their horses and continue the unique traditions of breeding and selection.

Highlighting the upcoming meeting between Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice President for Medical Affairs of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, and Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the National Leader expressed confidence that this event would promote the strengthening of bilateral cooperation in the humanitarian field.

The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty also spoke about the usefulness of exchanging experience in the field of sports.

In conclusion, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed confidence that this visit would become an important step in further strengthening Turkmen-Azerbaijani ties, developing coordinated approaches within the framework of long-term cooperation, and invited President Ilham Aliyev to visit Turkmenistan at any convenient time.

Upon completion of the talks, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Vice President for Medical Affairs of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation Oguljahan Atabayeva, and Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva posed for a commemorative photograph against the backdrop of the State Flags of the two countries.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan