Meeting Between Turkey’s Newly Appointed Ambassador to Azerbaijan and Prominent Azerbaijani NGO and Media Representatives
Today, a group of prominent Azerbaijani NGO and media representatives, organized and initiated by ATXƏM Public Union, met with Prof. Dr. Birol Akgün, the newly appointed Ambassador of Turkey to Azerbaijan.
Ambassador Birol Akgün welcomed the guests and emphasized the importance of establishing and strengthening relations between the public organizations of the two brotherly countries.
On behalf of the delegation, Ilham Ismayilov, Chairman of ATXƏM Public Union, congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment and highlighted several joint projects carried out by Azerbaijani NGOs and media, emphasizing the support of Turkish diaspora organizations—particularly those active in Europe—for integration, development, and diaspora initiatives. The need to expand cooperation between Turkey and Azerbaijan within the NGO platform was also noted.
Ilham Ismayilov requested the Ambassador’s support in honoring the memory of Nuru Pasha, commander of the Caucasus Islamic Army who liberated Azerbaijan in the early 20th century, by naming a street in Baku after him and erecting a monument. He noted that, despite some previous attempts, no tangible results had been achieved. Considering Ambassador Birol Akgün’s historical expertise, he was asked to assist in this initiative.
Shamistan Alizamanli, Chairman of the “Support for Patriotism” Public Union, spoke about the traditions of Azerbaijan-Turkey friendship and the bravery of the Caucasus Islamic Army.
Laman Alasrefqizi, Head of “LAF TV,” asked questions regarding concerns over the opening of the Turkey-Armenia border. The Ambassador clarified that the borders are currently closed, and this is only a temporary measure.
Irade Rizazade, Chair of “For the Social Welfare of Citizens” Public Union, spoke on issues related to Yerevan.
Ramil Aliyev, Chair of “Support for Development and Reforms” Public Union, shared information about a football tournament for Turkey-Azerbaijan media workers and stressed the importance of expanding such events in the future.
Other speakers included Saadat Ramazanli, Executive Secretary of ATXƏM PU, Rauf Zeyni, Chair of the Baku NGO Resource and Training Center, Anar Tahirov, Editor-in-Chief of “Bizim Media,” and Vasif Hasanli, Head of “Demokrat.az,” who emphasized Turkey’s longstanding moral support for Azerbaijan, the significance of the brotherly relationship, and the importance of public awareness on historical and cultural matters.
Ambassador Birol Akgün expressed his intention to use the Embassy’s resources to further strengthen these relations and highlighted the need to ensure full and accurate information is disseminated in both countries regarding each other’s history and key issues. He also highly valued and encouraged NGO collaboration in this regard.
During the meeting, Ambassador Birol Akgün presented Ilham Ismayilov with a book on Turkey’s historical borders. Additionally, Ilham Ismayilov presented copies of ATXƏM’s magazine “Birlik”, Shamistan Alizamanli shared patriotically themed CDs produced with ATXƏM support, and Irade Rizazade gifted a book on the history of ancient Yerevan.
Press Service of ATXƏM Public Union
