Azerbaijani president congratulates Turkmen leader on anniversary of permanent neutrality

On December 11, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev spoke by phone with Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to congratulate Turkmenistan on the 30th anniversary of its permanent neutrality.

President Aliyev wished continued success to the brotherly nation, Caliber.Az reports, citing Azertac.

Acknowledging that December 12 marks the day of remembrance for National Leader Heydar Aliyev in Azerbaijan, President Aliyev noted that he would not be able to attend Turkmenistan’s anniversary events in person, adding that Azerbaijan’s Prime Minister will represent the country.

The Azerbaijani president highlighted the recent visit of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, to Turkmenistan. He expressed gratitude for the hospitality extended to the delegation and described the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship as a symbol of growing cooperation between the two countries.

President Aliyev also thanked Turkmenistan for its full support of Azerbaijan’s participation in the Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia, and asked that his greetings be conveyed to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the occasion of the neutrality anniversary.

In response, Chairman Berdimuhamedov thanked Aliyev for the call and greetings. He expressed condolences on the death anniversary of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, calling him a great personality whose memory he honors with deep respect. He emphasized Heydar Aliyev’s key role in strengthening Azerbaijan-Turkmenistan relations.

Berdimuhamedov also praised Leyla Aliyeva’s visit and her meeting with Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Turkmen charitable foundation, highlighting the significance of the signed MoU. He congratulated Azerbaijan on becoming a full-fledged participant in the Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia, noting Turkmenistan’s long-standing support.

The leaders concluded the conversation by exchanging views on matters of mutual interest and future cooperation.

By Khagan Isayev