AKP Deputy Chairman Kürşad Zorlu made an assessment regarding the recent debates that have come to the agenda between Turkey and Azerbaijan. Stating that there may be different approaches between the two countries on certain topics, Zorlu said, "We also know how to discuss our problems within our family council, in a way that befits us."
Speaking at an event in Ankara for the Independence Day of the Kyrgyz Republic, Zorlu said that Turkey and Azerbaijan respect each other's decisions and sovereign rights. Zorlu remarked, "There may be differences in the way our states progress."
Zorlu stated that Ankara's stance on these issues should be followed through the statements of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan. Regarding Erdoğan's approach to Azerbaijan, he said, "President Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's love for Azerbaijan is from the heart, from the soul."
One of the topics of debate between Turkey and Azerbaijan has been Baku's relations with Israel. Another debate arose over a new dress code regulation in Azerbaijan, which was interpreted as including headscarves in schools.
The new rules in Azerbaijan, covering primary, secondary, and high schools, prohibit the use of "additional clothing items that disrupt the uniformity of the school uniform and are incompatible with the principle of secularism in education." Presidential Chief Advisor Oktay Saral had said in a post on October 13, "It is unacceptable to prevent the right to education of students wearing headscarves in Azerbaijan!"
The Azerbaijan-Turkey Inter-Parliamentary Relations Working Group, meanwhile, reported that it felt "serious concern and sadness" over some statements and criticisms made in Turkey, and requested that Turkey not interfere in Azerbaijan's internal affairs and show respect for the country's secular state structure.
AKP Spokesperson Ömer Çelik had also previously stated in a statement that the groups protesting Azerbaijan in Turkey had no connection with the party or the government. Zorlu also conveyed that Azerbaijani President İlham Aliyev would meet with Erdoğan in Turkey as part of a summit.
News Source: 12punto
