A President of Turkmenistan visited Fuzuli and Shusha at the conclusion of his state visit to Azerbaijan
On June 23rd, within the framework of a state visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan, a President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited the cities of Fuzuli and Shusha. The Arkadagly Hero-Serdar, together with a President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, familiarized themselves with new construction projects in Fuzuli, including a mosque. It should be noted that this mosque is being built as a gift to Azerbaijan. Its construction was initiated by the Hero-Arkadag and is being carried out using funds from the Charity Fund for Providing Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship named after Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The mosque being erected in Fuzuli will become a visible symbol of friendship and brotherhood of the Turkmen and Azerbaijani peoples, who are committed to such fundamental life principles as humanism, solidarity, unity, and the performance of good deeds. Taking the opportunity, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, once again expressed gratitude to the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov for the mosque being built in Fuzuli, which personifies the friendly relations between the two countries. Then, the Presidents of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Azerbaijan headed to Shusha. On the way to the city, the heads of the two states made a stop in one of the most beautiful corners of the region – on the Dashalty plain, where they viewed the local nature and took a joint photograph for memory. The President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev familiarized themselves with a new residential complex in the city of Shusha. Then, the heads of the two states visited the mosque under construction in Shusha. Projects and diagrams of the new building were presented to the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov: in the appearance and interior of the religious building, decorative elements are used that are regulated by the canons of Islamic architecture and convey the original features of local architecture. Next, the heads of the two states visited a special exhibition dedicated to the life path, state activity, and immense merits of the national Leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev. The exposition consisted of photographic materials, documents, and video films about the outstanding activity of Heydar Aliyev. Then, the Presidents of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Azerbaijan viewed the busts of Khurshidbanu Natavan and Bulbul, as well as the monument to Uzeyir Hajibeyli. The heads of the two states also visited the Shusha Fortress. The President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov was briefed in detail on the history of this unique site, which was founded in the XVIII century by Panah Ali Khan: the state-protected architectural monument was built in 1752 on a high-mountain plateau. The Shusha Fortress was a center where different cultures and peoples intersected. Its picturesque natural surroundings are a place of attraction for travelers and artists. The Presidents of Turkmenistan and the Republic of Azerbaijan made a commemorative photograph against the background of the Shusha Fortress. During the acquaintance with the cultural sights of the city, the heads of the two states also visited the Bulbul House-Museum. Polad Bulbuloglu acquainted the high guests with the exposition of the house-museum. He was awarded the honorary title «People's Artist of Turkmenistan» for special merits in strengthening the relations of friendship, brotherhood, good neighborliness, and cooperation between the Turkmen and Azerbaijani peoples, and in consolidating the long-standing interstate cultural and humanitarian dialogue. Children's and family photographs, personal belongings of the founder of Azerbaijani professional vocal art, as well as documents about his creative, scientific, pedagogical, and social activities are presented here. Noting the commonality of historical roots, material, and spiritual values of the Azerbaijani and Turkmen peoples, Polad Bulbuloglu stressed that the meeting with the President of Turkmenistan was a great honor for him. Then, the heads of the two states proceeded to the Jidir Duzu plain tract. This picturesque corner of nature, located on the edge of steep cliffs, has since ancient times been considered a place for holding horse races, national games, and celebrations. Here, as a sign of high respect, Arkadagly-Hero Serdar was presented with a gift of a Karabakh breed horse named Mert. This event has special significance in the context of the declaration of the current year in our country as the year «Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses». Handing over the passport of the horse to the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev highly assessed the activity carried out in Turkmenistan at the state level for the development of horse breeding. Thanking for the wonderful gift, the Head of State noted that he accepts it as a sign of the inviolability of Turkmen-Azerbaijani friendship. Then, the Presidents of the two countries took a commemorative photograph. The President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov thanked the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and representatives of the Azerbaijani side for the highly organized excursion revealing the rich historical and cultural heritage of the brotherly people. Next, the heads of the two states arrived together at the Fuzuli International Airport. At the air harbor, the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev warmly said goodbye to each other, exchanging best wishes addressed to the peoples of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. Upon completion of the cultural program of the state visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan, the head of State departed for the Motherland. After some time, the presidential airliner landed at the Ashgabat International Airport. Here, the Arkadagly Hero-Serdar was warmly met by officials. Thus, the state visit of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the Republic of Azerbaijan opened a new page in the history of bilateral relations. The held top-level meetings and the achieved agreements will lay a solid foundation for the implementation of new joint projects, and will also contribute to the further expansion of constructive cooperation.