Baku:The Azerbaijan-Turkey Inter-Parliamentary Relations Working Group has expressed serious concerns over recent biased information campaigns and unfounded accusations against Azerbaijan. These accusations were reportedly made by certain MPs from Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and Turkish presidential adviser Oktay Saral, as reported by APA.
According to Azeri-Press news agency, the group highlighted the strong ties of friendship, brotherhood, and strategic alliance between Azerbaijan and Turkey. They emphasized that Azerbaijan, as an independent and sovereign state, defines its internal and external policies based on national interests and constitutional principles. The group criticized any misinterpretation of the “One nation, two states” principle, originally formulated by National Leader Heydar Aliyev, as it underscores the existence of two distinct sovereign states. They warned against using this principle to interfere in Azerbaijan’s internal matters or impose foreign political and ideological views.
The group also stressed that Azerbaijan’s secular state system and religious freedoms are protected by its Constitution. The country’s educational policies are founded on secularism, equality, and providing equal opportunities for all citizens, with rules applied uniformly regardless of religious affiliation. The group condemned any politicization of these issues on religious or ideological grounds, as well as baseless accusations against Azerbaijan’s constitutional order and educational policies.
Moreover, the group expressed discontent over insulting and libelous remarks directed at the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the Azerbaijani people. They noted that the lack of preventive measures by the AKP administration is causing dissatisfaction in Azerbaijani society. Additionally, provocative actions in front of Azerbaijani diplomatic offices in Turkey and the tolerance of such activities were criticized.
The Azerbaijan-Turkey Inter-Parliamentary Relations Working Group called for political responsibility, mutual respect, and non-interference in internal affairs, which are crucial for maintaining the special nature of Azerbaijani-Turkish relations. They urged Turkish political circles, including representatives of the ruling party, to adopt a responsible approach toward these sensitive issues, respect Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and constitutional order, and avoid statements that could harm bilateral relations.