Azerbaijani president receives members of foreign affairs committee of Turkish parliament

The Azerbaijani leader praised the trip of Turkish parliamentary delegation, saying “reciprocal visits are of great importance to get information about ongoing process in the region from the first source.”

The Head of State said “no other countries have such sincere bilateral cooperation of mutual benefits in political, economic and cultural fields as Turkey and Azerbaijan do.”

The President stated nobody can realize projects without cooperation of Azerbaijan and Turkey. President Ilham Aliyev said both countries must continue “these positive” trends: “It will be useful for both of our nations and the region.”

Touching upon protocols signed by Turkey and Armenia to normalize relations between the two states, the Azerbaijani Leader said official Baku pursues the policy of non-interference in domestic affairs of other countries.

The President noted a part of Azerbaijan`s territories has been under Armenian occupation for 20 years.

“Armenia has committed genocide and ethnic cleansing policy in these territories. Therefore, delicate approach by Azerbaijani public to the relations of Turkey with Armenia should be considered as natural.”

President Ilham Aliyev also recalled promises of Turkish President, Prime Minister and Parliament Speaker concerning border will not be reopened until the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is resolved, and Armenian forces withdraw from occupied territories of Azerbaijan.

President Ilham Aliyev said “Turkish-Azerbaijani relations are special and each citizen of both countries should spare no efforts to strengthen these relations.”

The Azerbaijani leader said establishment of Parliamentary Assembly of Turkish Speaking Countries would make contribution to further development of inter-parliamentary ties.

The President praised the 9th summit of the Turkish-speaking countries` Heads of State held in Nakhchivan.

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Turkey`s Grand National Assembly Murat Mercan said friendly and fraternal relations between Turkey and Azerbaijan have historically common roots. MP from ruling Justice and Development Party said deputies of the two countries enjoy “effective” cooperation within regional and international organizations.

Touching upon Turkish-Armenian relations, Mercan pointed out his country understands sensitiveness of Azerbaijan in this regard and reopening of borders between Turkey and Armenia is impossible as long as Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not resolved.

The Turkish MP stressed importance of further strengthening of cooperation between the two parliaments.

Member of the Committee, MP from Nationalist Movement Party, Deniz Bolukbashi said protocols signed between Turkey and Armenia will not be taken to the Turkish Parliament until the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is settled.

The President asked the visitors to convey his greetings to Turkish President, Prime Minister, Parliament Speaker and chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP). The Head of State expressed his gratitude to the MHP for a principle stance.

/AzerTaj/