Baku: Gunay Afandiyeva, Deputy Chair of the Culture Committee of the Milli Majlis, emphasized the significance of joint educational initiatives between Azerbaijan and Turkey in fostering regional development. These collaborations are seen as an extension of the strategic partnership and brotherly relations between the two nations.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Afandiyeva highlighted the recently drafted law for the Additional Protocol to the Agreement between the governments of Azerbaijan and Turkey on educational cooperation. This agreement is considered a notable contribution to pan-Turkic integration, echoing the sentiment of the late National Leader Heydar Aliyev's philosophy of "One nation, two states," and the current President's vision that "The Turkic world is our family."

Afandiyeva noted the establishment of several key educational institutions, including the Azerbaijan-Turkey University in Baku, and other schools and centers in Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and a school supported by Hungary in Azerbaijan's Jabrayil district. These institutions serve as platforms for building spiritual and intellectual connections and fostering shared cultural and historical values. She stressed the importance of studying both modern languages and ancient alphabets to strengthen historical ties.

Looking ahead, Afandiyeva mentioned the upcoming 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress, set to be celebrated in Azerbaijan in 2026. This congress originally envisioned a united Turkic world collaborating in science, education, and culture. Today, Azerbaijan's state policy reflects these goals with concrete initiatives and successful outcomes.

Afandiyeva concluded by praising the President's political and diplomatic efforts in advancing Azerbaijan's role as a leading pillar of the Turkic world.