Azerbaijan-Kyrgyzstan cultural cooperation strengthened with new action plan Photo

A bilateral meeting between Azerbaijan's Minister of Culture, Adil Kerimli, and Kyrgyzstan's Minister of Culture, Information, Sports, and Youth Policy, Mirbek Mambetaliev, took place at the National Historical Museum of Kyrgyzstan in Bishkek.

Kerimli's visit to the Kyrgyz capital coincides with the Azerbaijani Culture Days event, being held in Kyrgyzstan, Caliber.Az reports citing local media.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the current state and prospects of cultural cooperation between the two nations. As a result of the talks, a practical action plan for further cultural engagement was signed.

Mambataliev expressed his satisfaction with the dynamic development of cultural ties between the two brotherly nations and thanked the Azerbaijani delegation for their support and for the high level of organisation of the Kyrgyz Culture Days held in Baku last April.

For his part, Kerimli expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to the Azerbaijani delegation during the Azerbaijani Culture Days in Bishkek.

Both ministers highlighted the growing cultural cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan, reinforced by strong ties between Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Sadyr Japarov. They also recalled the joint foundation-laying for a school in Aghdam, Azerbaijan, a symbol of bilateral friendship.

The ministers discussed cultural initiatives under various Turkic platforms, including TURKSOY and the International Turkic Academy, and expressed a commitment to deepening collaboration in theatre, cinema, and library sciences.

They signed a Plan of Practical Measures for Cultural Cooperation for 2025-2026, outlining further joint engagement. Karimli also visited the National Museum of History of Kyrgyzstan, marking another significant step in the countries' cultural partnership.

To recall, ​Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan share deep-rooted cultural ties, underpinned by shared Turkic heritage and mutual respect for traditions. These bonds have been strengthened through various initiatives and exchanges.

In 2022, during a state visit by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to Kyrgyzstan, significant cultural projects were inaugurated, including the Friendship Park and schools named after national luminaries Heydar Aliyev and Nizami Ganjavi. These institutions symbolize enduring friendship and serve as educational bridges between the two nations.

The "Days of Kyrgyz Culture" held in Baku in April 2024 marked a pivotal moment in bilateral cultural relations. Azerbaijani Culture Minister Adil Karimli emphasized that the event opened a new chapter in cultural cooperation, highlighting the rich heritage of the Kyrgyz people . This initiative was part of a broader agreement to alternate cultural showcases between the two countries.​

Additionally, the establishment of the Turkic Scout Bloc in 2024, with Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan as founding members, underscores a commitment to youth development and cultural exchange within the Turkic world.

By Aghakazim Guliyev ​