PM Üstel holds official meeting with Azerbaijani counterpart Asadov

Prime Minister Ünal Üstel, who travelled to Baku to attend the Meeting of the Heads of Government and Deputy Heads of Government of the Organisation of Turkic States, has begun his contacts.

As part of his visit to Baku, Prime Minister Ünal Üstel held an official inter-delegation meeting with Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov.

During the historic meeting—the first official encounter at the level of prime ministers—Üstel stressed the importance of supporting the brotherly ties between the two countries with concrete projects.

Azerbaijani Prime Minister Asadov underlined that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus was an inseparable part of the Turkic world and noted that relations between the two countries were growing stronger by the day.

The meeting covered numerous topics, particularly tourism, education, the economy, and working life, and areas of cooperation were evaluated.

In his remarks during the visit, Üstel stated that being in Azerbaijan always meant being in a brotherly country, saying, “We are welcomed here as a state and hosted like a brother.”

Drawing attention to the current level of relations between the TRNC and Azerbaijan, which continue to improve each day, Üstel stressed that the greatest contribution to reaching this level belonged to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

He thanked Aliyev for his open support for the TRNC and his strong stance.

Üstel noted that the unity between Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and the TRNC had grown stronger with the understanding of “three states, one nation,” and stated that developments in today’s world made stronger cooperation between countries a necessity.

“Those who act together grow stronger; those who walk together succeed,” Üstel said, stressing that brotherhood must now be supported by concrete projects.

Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov also highlighted the importance of the meeting.

Expressing his satisfaction at officially receiving the TRNC Prime Minister, Asadov described it as a historic day.

He reiterated that the TRNC was an inseparable part of the Turkic world and stated that relations between the two countries continued to strengthen.

Meanwhile, the meeting between Prime Minister Ünal Üstel and Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov was seen as a significant turning point in advancing diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations between the TRNC and Azerbaijan, opening the door to a new phase of cooperation based on concrete projects between the two brotherly countries.

During the meeting, numerous topics were discussed, particularly tourism, education, the economy, and working life.

In the field of tourism, the resumption of mutual charter flights and the facilitation of tourism activities were brought to the agenda, while the need to enhance cooperation among sector representatives was emphasised.

In education, Prime Minister Üstel raised issues such as the mutual recognition of diplomas, the provision of reciprocal scholarship opportunities for students, and the introduction of student exchange programs.

In terms of economic relations, it was stated that economic organisations from both countries should meet more frequently, mutual investments should be increased, and commercial relations should be further developed.

Within this framework, a strong will was expressed to take concrete steps to strengthen economic cooperation.

Regarding working life, discussions focused on eliminating the problems faced by citizens of both countries, facilitating job placement processes, and making procedures related to work permits more effective.

Additionally, the facilitation of mutual entry and exit for citizens of both countries was also addressed.

On all these issues, an agreement was reached for the relevant ministries to initiate the necessary work in order to resolve existing problems and simplify procedures.

Prime Minister Ünal Üstel was accompanied at the meeting by National Unity Party MP Ali Pilli, TRNC Representative to Baku Ambassador Ufuk Turganer, Private Secretary İlgen Bağcıer, and Prime Ministry Political Advisor Özdemir Tokel.