“There is nothing unusual about the leader of Turkey’s New Party, Ozgur Ozel, calling President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Victory Day. On the contrary, the move once again demonstrates that Turkey-Azerbaijan relations are not limited to ties between governments, but are interstate relations based on national interests.”
Political commentator Tamilla Gulami told Globalinfo.az.
The political commentator said that although there is serious competition and disagreement between the government and opposition in Turkey, this rivalry should not be brought to the fore in matters concerning relations with Azerbaijan:
“Previously, unfortunately, statements against Azerbaijan were occasionally voiced due to opposition views represented by the Republican People’s Party (CHP). However, Azerbaijan is not an ordinary foreign policy direction for Turkey. Relations between the two countries have been shaped by a shared deep history, national identity, security, geopolitical interests and strategic alliance. Therefore, I consider the Turkish main opposition leader’s congratulations on Azerbaijan’s Victory Day a normal step from both political and diplomatic perspectives. In general, in interstate relations, it would be good if not only governments, but also opposition parties, held mutual discussions and negotiations with one another, and governments remained open to dialogue.
Tamilla Gulami
Ozgur Ozel also understands well that governments may change in Turkey and relations between political forces may become tense, but attitudes towards the strategic alliance with Azerbaijan must not change. This is required by Turkey’s state interests. At the same time, such a step is important in showing the New Party’s approach to national issues in foreign policy and the importance it attaches to the continuity of ties with Azerbaijan.
I believe this phone conversation can also be assessed as a step that serves the interests of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Preserving political consensus in Turkey’s relations with Azerbaijan serves the interests of both Erdogan’s government and the Turkish state as a whole. The most important point is that Azerbaijan-Turkey relations are greater than the personal ties of individual political leaders and party interests. This is precisely the main political meaning of the message delivered on Victory Day.”
Turan Rzayev
Globalinfo.az
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