Gismat Gozalov: Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan will continue high-level contacts in 2026

The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Turkmenistan organized a reception on the occasion of Independence Day and the Days of Azerbaijani Culture.

According to Report, citing the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Turkmenistan, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Turkmenistan Gismat Gozalov, in his speech, spoke about the historical significance of the establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic 108 years ago. He noted that despite its short existence of only 23 months, the ADR, the first democratic republic in the East, demonstrated the Azerbaijani people"s aspiration for independence and statehood.

Gozalov emphasized that after the restoration of state independence, Azerbaijan, under the leadership of national leader Heydar Aliyev, embarked on a path of stability and development. According to him, under President Ilham Aliyev the country continues sustainable development and strengthens its position as a strong state.

The ambassador also noted that as a result of the 44-day Patriotic War, Azerbaijan restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders.

In his speech, he touched upon Azerbaijan's role in energy, transport and logistics projects, including Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan, Baku-Supsa, Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum, the Southern Gas Corridor, TANAP, TAP, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, as well as the Trans-Caspian route, East-West and North-South transport corridors.

Referring to Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan relations, Gozalov said that ties between the two countries are based on shared history, language, ethnic and cultural proximity. He stressed that the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan is developing thanks to the political will of the leaders of both countries.

The ambassador highlighted the importance of interparliamentary cooperation, dialogue between foreign ministries, and the activities of the joint intergovernmental commission. According to him, cooperation is developing within the commission in trade, transport and logistics, energy, and cultural and humanitarian fields.

Gozalov also emphasized the importance of the visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to Turkmenistan in 2025 and the visits of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to Azerbaijan. He said that high-level contacts between the countries will continue in 2026.

Speaking about cultural cooperation, the ambassador recalled that in 2025, Days of Turkmen Culture were held in Baku and Ganja, while Days of Azerbaijani Culture are currently taking place in Ashgabat and Arkadag.

He also noted the participation of a Turkmen delegation in the Kharybulbul festival in Shusha and the active participation of Azerbaijani artists in cultural programs organized in Turkmenistan, including within TURKSOY.

Gozalov separately highlighted the promotion of Azerbaijani culture and the legacy of the prominent composer Uzeyir Hajibayli in Turkmenistan. As an example, he mentioned regular performances of the operettas "Arshin Mal Alan" and "O olmasin, bu olsun" in the Turkmen language in Ashgabat.

The ambassador also highly appreciated the construction of a mosque in the liberated city of Fuzuli on the initiative of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, calling it an example of brotherhood and humanitarian cooperation between the peoples.

The event was attended as an honored guest by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and co-chair of the joint intergovernmental commission Nokerguly Ataguliev, who conveyed greetings from President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and wishes of prosperity to the Azerbaijani side.

Ataguliev noted that high-level dialogue between the leaders of the two countries has given a significant impetus to the development of Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan relations. He stressed that the fraternal ties between the peoples are based on deep historical roots, and that cooperation is expanding in political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.

The reception featured Azerbaijani folk and classical music, national dances, video presentations on the history, culture and modern development of Azerbaijan, as well as Azerbaijani cuisine.

In addition, a photo exhibition on Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan relations was presented. A special stand showcased "Made in Azerbaijan" products, including Azercay and the traditional Azerbaijani women"s headscarf kelaghayi.