Today, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov left for a visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan.

At the International Airport of the capital, Hero Arkadag was seen off by officials.

In the era of the Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state, the peace-loving foreign policy of our country, laid down by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, is successfully implemented under the wise leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. At the same time, one of the priorities is the development of friendly and fraternal relations with neighbouring states.

Cooperation between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan is long-term. In recent years, as a result of joint efforts, this traditional interaction has reached a new level. The current visit of Hero Arkadag to the neighboring country is a vivid confirmation of this.

Our countries attach great importance to expanding relations in the political, trade, economic and cultural spheres.

Turkmenistan and the Republic of Azerbaijan are consistently developing effective partnership both on a bilateral and multilateral basis, including within the framework of such authoritative international structures as the United Nations, the Organisation of Turkic States, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Within the framework of multilateral cooperation, great importance is also attached to inter-parliamentary relations.

One of the key vectors of interstate relations is the trade and economic sphere. A special role in the development of mutually beneficial relations in this area is given to the activities of the Intergovernmental Turkmen-Azerbaijani Commission on Economic Cooperation.

Among the most important areas of partnership is the transport and logistics sector. The favourable geographical location of both countries at the junction of Asia and Europe contributes to the further development of cooperation in this area.

    As for humanitarian contacts, they are based on the centuries-old historical, cultural and spiritual community of the peoples of the two friendly states.

... After some time, having flown to Baku, the airliner of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Hero Arkadag landed at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport, decorated with the State Flags of the two countries. In honour of the distinguished guest, the Guard of Honor lined up on both sides of the carpet leading from the plane's steps.

At the air harbour, Hero Arkadag was warmly welcomed by officials of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as members of the official delegation of our country.

A conversation took place here between the National Leader of the Turkmen people and the official representative of the friendly country.

The interlocutors highly appreciated the relations between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, based on the principles of friendship and good neighbourliness.

As noted, the current visit of Hero Arkadag will open up broad opportunities for discussing areas of bilateral cooperation with a view to the future and will contribute to bringing interstate cooperation to a qualitatively new level.

Then the motorcade of Hero Arkadag proceeded to the «Zagulba» Palace of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Here, in front of the central entrance, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was warmly welcomed by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

After the ceremony of taking a joint photo against the backdrop of the State flags of the two countries, negotiations were held between Hero Arkadag and the head of Azerbaijan.

Once again warmly greeting the National Leader of the Turkmen people, President Ilham Aliyyev expressed gratitude for accepting the invitation to visit Azerbaijan. As emphasized, our peoples are bound by friendly and fraternal relations. Noting that Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are successfully developing mutually beneficial cooperation in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic, energy and cultural-humanitarian spheres, the head of the neighboring state, taking the opportunity, conveyed his best wishes to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

 Expressing sincere gratitude for the invitation to visit Azerbaijan and the hospitality extended to the delegation of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag also conveyed warm greetings from President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to President Ilham Aliyev.

Noting that the current visit to Azerbaijan is aimed at further strengthening and developing bilateral relations, consolidating the achieved milestones, as well as giving incentives for the implementation of projects in new directions, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, characterising the current level of interstate dialogue, emphasised that it meets the spirit of brotherhood, good neighbourliness and cooperation.

As Hero-Arkadag noted, the Turkmen and Azerbaijani peoples have common historical roots, their origin goes back to the Oguz. These relations are based on a solid historical foundation, community and kinship of spiritual and cultural values, strategic prospects for cooperation, as well as the willingness to use the combined political and economic potential for the well-being and prosperity of our states and peoples.

Having noted that currently there are great opportunities for further development of traditionally friendly bilateral cooperation in various fields, Hero-Arkadag emphasised that thanks to joint efforts, the Turkmen-Azerbaijani partnership is distinguished by its purposefulness, is developing dynamically and is based on mutual respect and openness.

The key factor in this is the highest level of mutual understanding and trust between our countries, which in turn allows us to implement the agreements reached on all issues of interstate cooperation, the National Leader of the Turkmen people said.

Touching on political and diplomatic relations, Hero-Arkadag noted the similarity and coincidence of the views of the two countries on current issues of global and regional problems. As emphasised, in the sphere of foreign policy, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan firmly adhere to the Charter of the United Nations and generally recognised norms of international law.

The two friendly states successfully and fruitfully cooperate within the framework of major international organisations, primarily the UN, and a number of regional structures. In this regard, the National Leader of the Turkmen people expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani side for being the first to support the proposal of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to declare 2025 the «International Year of Peace and Trust» at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly.

Focusing on cooperation in the transport sector, Hero-Arkadag noted the great importance of transport and infrastructure projects of the two countries for the region.

Speaking about trade and economic relations, the National Leader of the Turkmen people emphasised the annual increase in mutual trade turnover, which indicates the successful development of partnership in this area.

In this context, the parties noted that both countries have enormous opportunities to fully realise their potential.

The traditional area of the Turkmen-Azerbaijani interstate dialogue is the cultural and humanitarian sphere. Currently, cooperation in this area is consistently expanding, based on the common language and spiritual values of the two peoples.

As Hero-Arkadag noted, our peoples have perfected the ancient art of carpet weaving for centuries and preserved it to this day. It was also emphasised that the Turkmen and Azerbaijani peoples are very fond of racehorses, continuing the unique traditions of their breeding and selection.

At the same time, it was noted that the literary heritage of outstanding figures of the two peoples, such as Magtymguly, Seydi, Nizami and Fizuli, who left a bright mark in history, is an invaluable asset for the present and future generations.

Having also emphasised that today there will be a meeting between the Vice President for Medical Activities of the Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Oguljahan Atabayeva and the Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva, Hero-Arkadag expressed confidence that this event will contribute to the expansion of bilateral cooperation in the humanitarian sphere.

Hero-Arkadag also spoke about the advisability of exchanging experience in the sports sphere. Wrestling is a popular sport in both countries, which creates conditions for the development of cooperation in this area.

In conclusion, the National Leader of the Turkmen people expressed confidence that this visit will be an important factor in further rapprochement between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, the development of coordinated approaches in the context of the implementation of a long-term cooperation strategy. Having once again expressed gratitude for the warm welcome on the fraternal land, Hero Arkadag, on his own behalf and on behalf of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, invited President Ilham Aliyev to visit Turkmenistan at any time convenient for him.

Taking the opportunity, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev on behalf of the Turkmen people for his personal contribution to the development of bilateral relations and wished him success in his state activities for the well-being and prosperity of the Azerbaijani people.

Having expressed gratitude to Hero Arkadag for the invitation and kind words, President Ilham Aliyev confirmed Azerbaijan's commitment to further strengthening the traditionally friendly, fraternal relations and fruitful cooperation with Turkmenistan.

At the end of the negotiations, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Vice President for medical activities of the Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Oguljahan Atabayeva and Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva took a joint commemorative photo against the backdrop of the State flags of the two countries.

Then Hero-Arkadag went to the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, where he was warmly greeted by the Chairman of the National Parliament Sahiba Gafarova.

The National Leader of the Turkmen people, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan and the Speaker of the Azerbaijani parliament took pictures against the background of the State flags of the two countries.

Then the members of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan were introduced to Hero-Arkadag, and in turn the National Leader of the Turkmen people, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Hero-Arkadag introduced the members of the Turkmen delegation.

In the Great Assembly Hall – the venue for the meetings of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan – Sahiba Gafarova informed Hero-Arkadag and the members of the Turkmen delegation about the activities of the parliament.

Then Sahiba Gafarova acquainted the National Leader of the Turkmen people Hero-Arkadag with the exhibits of the Milli Majlis Museum.

Here, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Hero Arkadag left a memorable entry in the Book of Honoured Guests.

Then, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero Arkadag, met with the Chairman of the National Parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan with the participation of delegations of both countries.

Having once again warmly welcomed Hero Arkadag, the head of the National Parliament of Azerbaijan expressed confidence that the current meeting would significantly strengthen the interstate dialogue, including at the legislative level.

Noting that she warmly remembers her visit to our country in 2022, Sahiba Gafarova, taking the opportunity, once again expressed gratitude for being awarded the Order of Turkmenistan «Hyzmatdaşlygy ösdürmäge goşandy üçin». 

Having emphasized the current high level of relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, the speaker of the parliament of the friendly state noted that the peoples of both countries are united by a common language, culture and spiritual and moral values.

At the same time, the important role of mutual visits at the highest level in building up the interstate dialogue was emphasised.

In addition, Sahiba Gafarova noted the enormous authority of our country in the international arena, determined by its peacekeeping foreign policy as a neutral state, as well as Azerbaijan's high assessment of relations with fraternal Turkmenistan.

The National Leader of the Turkmen people Hero-Arkadag, on behalf of the members of the Turkmen delegation, sincerely thanked for the hospitality and warm welcome and shared that he warmly recalls the meeting with Sahiba Gafarova in Ashgabat, as part of her official visit to Turkmenistan in December 2022.

At that time, a wide range of issues affecting the further development of bilateral relations, including inter-parliamentary cooperation, were discussed.

Hero-Arkadag expressed confidence that the current meeting would serve as an important impetus for deepening the Turkmen-Azerbaijani fraternal ties, including through parliamentary diplomacy in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the Parliaments of the two countries.

Hero-Arkadag noted the strategic nature of the multifaceted relations between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Azerbaijan, which have been developing over many years.

Having emphasised the importance of friendship groups created in the Mejlis of the two countries in building up the inter-parliamentary dialogue, Hero-Arkadag emphasised the need to intensify the practice of their regular meetings.

Today, the role of parliaments in protecting peace, ensuring security, and restoring the culture of respectful dialogue is very important. Hero-Arkadag expressed confidence that parliamentarians of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan can together make a significant contribution to achieving these goals and work on issues on the global agenda.

In addition, the National Leader of the Turkmen people emphasised the importance of inter-parliamentary dialogue, gender equality, women's and youth diplomacy. In this regard, Hero-Arkadag proposed that Azerbaijani parliamentarians, together with their Turkmen colleagues, develop an algorithm for interaction in these areas, noting the advisability of using successful practices in further joint actions.

Expressing confidence in the broad prospects for strengthening bilateral cultural, scientific and educational cooperation, the National Leader of the Turkmen people Hero-Arkadag proposed considering the possibility of organising youth scientific and educational forums under the auspices of the parliaments of the two countries.

Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan are fraternal states. Our peoples are united not only by geography, but also by a common history, language, culture and values. It is the direct duty of our parliamentarians to use this great heritage. Hero-Arkadag expressed his readiness to do everything necessary for the further development of interstate relations, strengthening the ties that have linked the Turkmen and Azerbaijani peoples for centuries.

The speaker of the parliament of the friendly country noted the importance of the proposals of Hero Arkadag and confirmed the desire of the Azerbaijani side to continue to increase cooperation with Turkmenistan through legislative bodies.

At the end of the meeting, a ceremony of official joint photographing of the National Leader of the Turkmen people Hero Arkadag and the Chairman of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan Sahiba Gafarova, as well as members of the delegations of the two countries, took place.

Then Hero Arkadag visited the Alley of Honour, where the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev found peace.

Having honoured the memory of the prominent statesman and political figure of Azerbaijan, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Hero Arkadag laid a wreath at his grave.

Under the leadership of Heydar Aliyev, a solid foundation was laid that ensured the rapid growth and high international authority of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

In Turkmenistan, Heydar Aliyev is known as a prominent statesman who attached great importance to building up and strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two fraternal states.

Hero Arkadag also laid flowers at the grave of the mother of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

Then Hero Arkadag visited the «Victory» Park, where he honoured the memory of the national heroes of Azerbaijan who gave their lives for their homeland, and laid a wreath at the monument.

This event became a manifestation of the continuity of the traditions inherent in the Turkmen and Azerbaijani peoples, namely, honouring the memory of heroes who defended a bright future at the cost of their lives.

In the afternoon, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Hero Arkadag met with the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pasha-zade.

Having warmly welcomed the distinguished guest, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pasha-zade noted that the meeting with Hero Arkadag was a great honor for him, emphasizing the enormous importance of such meetings in promoting spiritual and cultural values.

Having shared his impressions of the architectural splendor of Ashgabat during his stay in 2014, the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board noted that, on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, a prominent politician widely known in the world, colossal work is being carried out on the socio-economic development of Turkmenistan.

Thanking the Sheikh-ul-Islam for his hospitality and cordiality, Hero-Arkadag emphasised that the current meeting is important within the framework of the visit to Azerbaijan and has a special meaning in the context of bilateral multifaceted cooperation.

As noted, the history of good neighbourliness between the two fraternal peoples goes back many centuries. The common history, language, culture and traditions have become the basis of relations between them.

We understand each other perfectly not only at the linguistic level. Both peoples have common roots. We proceed from common roots and close kinship, profess the same values. We have transferred the richest historical experience to the modern epoch. Today, our countries, the leaders of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan rely on a meaningful understanding of the need to strengthen bilateral relations, on the coincidence of long-term interests, on the awareness of the enormous prospects for cooperation, Hero-Arkadag said.

Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pasha-zade noted the successful development of cooperation in the political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres, for the support of which both states are doing everything necessary. As emphasized, a special place here is given to religious figures of the two countries and the Islamic religion in general, which unites the peoples of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.

It was noted that Islam enriches our ties with its great, enduring values.

In this context, the interlocutors emphasised the highest importance of Islam in educating the younger generation, instilling in them a sense of patriotism, love for the Motherland, its history, respect for parents, the sanctity of the family hearth.

These concepts today form the ideological and moral framework of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, their social and socio-political model. Hero-Arkadag noted with satisfaction the enormous role of religious figures in fulfilling this task in our countries. The authority and rich life experience of religious figures are becoming the most important positive factor in successful state building, maintaining and strengthening peace, social and interethnic harmony in our countries.

Hero-Arkadag expressed confidence in the importance and relevance of interreligious dialogue in the current conditions, which can become one of the bridges of cooperation and mutual understanding.

Having emphasised the announcement of 2025 as the «International Year of Peace and Trust» by the UN General Assembly on the initiative of Turkmenistan, Hero-Arkadag noted that this initiative goes far beyond the political and diplomatic framework and is not just of a global geopolitical, but also of a deep ideological nature.

This initiative is designed to promote the establishment of a respectful dialogue, trust between states, peoples, overcoming prejudices and ideological cliches.

The goal of Turkmenistan as an initiator is to pave the way for peace, mutual understanding and cooperation, even in such difficult conditions as today.

Expressing confidence that the Islamic religion, its representatives and authoritative figures play a huge role in achieving this noble goal, Hero-Arkadag invited Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pasha-zade to the upcoming International Conference dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust in Ashgabat in December 2025.

Having accepted the invitation with gratitude, the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslim Board Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pasha-zade noted that Turkmenistan's foreign policy, based on the status of neutrality, contributes to strengthening peace and stability on a regional and global scale.

Sincere gratitude was expressed to Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pasha-zade for his significant contribution to strengthening the bonds of brotherhood, good-neighborliness and friendship between the peoples of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. As Hero-Arkadag noted, all support and assistance will be provided to the further development of fraternal ties between representatives of the Muslim clergy of our countries, and all conditions will be created for building strong and long-term contacts between them.

Having thanked the distinguished guest, the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board emphasised that the continuation of the dialogue between the two countries in such an important direction will significantly strengthen the friendship and brotherhood between the Azerbaijani and Turkmen peoples.

During the meeting, Hero-Arkadag presented Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pasha-zade with a Turkmen don and a prayer rug - namazlyk as a gift.

Having expressed sincere gratitude, the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board emphasized that he accepts this gift as a sign of respect of the Turkmen people.

At the end of the meeting, a dinner was given in honour of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on behalf of the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pasha-zade.

After the meal, the Mufti of Turkmenistan read the Ayat-Tovir, offering prayers to the Almighty for strengthening friendship and brotherhood between the Turkmen and Azerbaijani peoples, as well as for their prosperous life.

Then the motorcade of Hero Arkadag headed to the resort complex «Sea Breeze». Here the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was met by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and the founder of the complex «Sea Breeze» Emin Agalarov.

Through design projects, Hero Arkadag was presented with information about the resort complex «Sea Breeze».

By the way, in recent years, a picturesque corner of the Turkmen land - the National Tourist Zone «Avaza» has been transformed beyond recognition. On the seashore, fashionable white marble hotels, cottage villages, yacht clubs, children's health centers, sports facilities have risen, entertainment parks and green areas have spread out, and a man-made river has run through. All this, including transport and engineering infrastructure facilities, was built on the basis of an innovative approach, using advanced technologies and original solutions in the field of construction, architecture and design.

In addition, NTZ «Avaza» has now confidently established itself as a major business, cultural and sports centre, and has also become a venue for high-level meetings, various international events.

In short, rich recreational potential, focus on the latest technologies and innovations, architectural and engineering solutions, a creative approach to achieving the goals set create all the prerequisites for the «sea pearl» of the country to become a recognised centre of both international tourism and health resort recreation, as well as sports.

The visit of Hero Arkadag to the Republic of Azerbaijan continues.