Baku: In a recent phone conversation, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev extended his congratulations to Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality. President Aliyev conveyed his best wishes for the continued success of Turkmenistan.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, President Aliyev noted that he would not be able to attend the celebrations for Turkmenistan’s neutrality due to the remembrance day for National Leader Heydar Aliyev in Azerbaijan. However, he confirmed that the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan would represent the country at the events.

The discussion also touched on the recent visit of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, to Turkmenistan. President Aliyev expressed his appreciation for the hospitality shown to the Azerbaijani delegation and highlighted the significance of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship.

President Aliyev also thanked Turkmenistan for its firm support of Azerbaijan’s full participation in the Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia. He requested that his greetings and congratulations be conveyed to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov of Turkmenistan.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in response, expressed his gratitude for the phone call and condolences on the anniversary of Heydar Aliyev’s passing. He acknowledged Heydar Aliyev’s pivotal role in fostering relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan and expressed respect for his memory.

Berdimuhamedov praised Leyla Aliyeva’s visit and her meeting with Oguljahan Atabayeva from the Charitable Foundation, emphasizing the importance of the signed memorandum. He congratulated Azerbaijan on its participation in the Central Asia Consultative Meeting, reiterating Turkmenistan’s support for this development.

The leaders concluded their conversation by exchanging views on mutual interests and future engagements.