The New Azerbaijan Party (YAP) has issued a statement criticising remarks made by Turkish presidential adviser Oktay Saral and members of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) concerning Azerbaijan, calling on Turkish political figures to respect the country's sovereignty and refrain from interfering in its internal affairs. According to YAP's press service, certain Turkish media outlets and social media platforms, including resources considered close to the AKP government, have for some time disseminated what the party described as false, biased and defamatory information about Azerbaijan. For a long time, the dissemination of untrue, biased, slanderous and defamatory information about Azerbaijan has been observed in a number of Turkish media outlets and social media platforms, including information resources known for their proximity to the AKP government.
Considering the partnership relations between the New Azerbaijan Party and the Justice and Development Party, as well as the historical bonds of brotherhood and friendship that unite the peoples of Azerbaijan and Türkiye, we have so far demonstrated restraint in dealing with such cases. Our goal has been to prevent irresponsible behaviour by certain circles from negatively affecting relations between our states and peoples. However, the fact that this information campaign against Azerbaijan has recently become more aggressive, systematic and openly defamatory, especially the involvement of a senior adviser to the President of Türkiye and members of parliament from the ruling Justice and Development Party, makes it necessary for us to express our position openly.
First of all, we firmly reject attempts to deliberately distort Azerbaijani-Israeli relations, portray these relations as allegedly exceptional and make political accusations against Azerbaijan. The Republic of Azerbaijan maintains normal interstate relations with Israel based on international law and mutual interests. Azerbaijan's position on the Palestinian issue is consistent, clear and principled.
Our country has always supported the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and provided financial and humanitarian assistance to Palestine. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa have visited Azerbaijan at different times. The activities of the Embassy of the State of Palestine in Azerbaijan are also financially supported by the Azerbaijani state.
President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly stated at the highest international platforms that Azerbaijan supports resolving the Palestinian issue on the basis of international law and relevant UN resolutions, in accordance with the two-state principle, with East Jerusalem as the capital of the State of Palestine. Azerbaijan's position on the events in Gaza is also based on humanitarian values, the protection of civilians and international law. Azerbaijan's relations with the Islamic world are likewise based not on political considerations, but on the principles of mutual respect, equality and solidarity.
Our country's contributions to strengthening Islamic solidarity are highly appreciated by Muslim states. The fact that the next Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation is planned to be held in Azerbaijan in 2027 is also an expression of the international trust placed in our country. In this regard, we would like to remind everyone that justice, equality, mutual respect and solidarity occupy an important place among the fundamental principles of Islam.
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