Devlet Bahçeli, chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and a member of parliament, said in a written statement to the media that no seeds of discord that could harm brotherly relations and bonds of affection among countries of the Turkic world, particularly Azerbaijan, should be allowed to be sown among them.
He said that Turkey and Azerbaijan are two strong states sharing the same geography of the heart:
“Faced with any approach aimed at harming brotherly relations between the two countries, it is of great importance to act on the basis of sound judgement, mutual understanding and common sense. The historical, cultural and brotherly ties between our countries have a broader meaning than political processes and are based on the shared memory and unity of spirit of our peoples.”
Speaking to Globalinfo.az, political analyst Aytən Qurbanova said relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey are built on shared history, national and spiritual values, and a strategic alliance:
“However, the strength of these relations is measured not only by expressions of brotherhood, but also by respect for the independence, sovereignty and domestic decisions of both states. From this perspective, remarks made by Devlet Bahçeli, chairman of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), regarding Azerbaijan on October 14 are particularly noteworthy. Stressing the importance of respect for the sovereignty and internal affairs of Turkic states, he called for mutual understanding and sound judgement in the face of approaches that could harm Azerbaijan–Turkey relations. In recent days, the broad discussion in Turkey’s social and political sphere of the issue of dress rules in Azerbaijani schools, and the one-sided presentation of the issue by certain circles, show that social issues can sometimes become the subject of political and ideological struggle. Yet each country’s education policy, legal norms and social relations should be assessed within the framework of its own legislation and national characteristics. Presenting issues related to Azerbaijan on the basis of emotional considerations, distortions and double standards serves neither objective discussion nor relations between the two countries. Bahçeli’s position is politically significant in this regard.”
Aytən Qurbanova
The expert believes this is a statement not by an ordinary political figure, but by the chairman of a party that is a governing partner in Turkey:
“This position once again puts on the agenda the need to approach relations with Azerbaijan in Turkey’s political environment on the basis of the principles of interstate respect and equality. However, it would not be right to think that a single statement will eliminate all the problems that have emerged in the information sphere. The main issue is the extent to which this approach is taken into account in public discussions and whether other political circles also demonstrate a responsible position. One important point should not be forgotten: Azerbaijan–Turkey brotherhood does not mean that differences of opinion on any issue are impossible. However, differences of opinion should be discussed within the framework of mutual respect, and one country’s internal issues should not be turned into a means of political pressure or public confrontation in the other country.
To preserve brotherly relations, it is necessary not only to emphasise shared values, but also to act in accordance with them. Today, the information environment has become one of the important dimensions of interstate relations. In such conditions, preventing unfounded accusations, biased comments and approaches that distort reality is the responsibility of the media, political actors and public figures alike. It is important that criticism directed at Azerbaijan from Turkey be based on objective facts and that our country’s internal issues not become the subject of political manipulation. While Bahçeli’s statement sends a certain political message on this issue, creating a healthy environment in the information sphere requires broader responsibility. The strategic nature of Azerbaijan–Turkey relations transcends individual debates and political rhetoric. The way to preserve these relations is through respect for Azerbaijan’s sovereign decisions, avoiding approaches that undermine mutual trust, and reconciling brotherhood with political responsibility.”
Turan Rzayev
Globalinfo.az
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