Fuad Muradov, Chairman of the State Committee on Work with the Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan, met with Izmir Governor Süleyman Elban during his visit to Türkiye.
The meeting was attended by Azerbaijan’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Türkiye, Rashad Mammadov. Discussions focused on the development of brotherly and strategic partnership relations between Azerbaijan and Türkiye. Particular attention was paid to the diaspora activities of Azerbaijanis living in Izmir, their integration into society, education and employment opportunities, as well as expanding joint initiatives in cultural cooperation and public diplomacy.
The Committee Chairman spoke about the diaspora policy implemented under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, emphasizing that organizing Azerbaijanis living in different countries, preserving their national and cultural identity, and ensuring their more active integration into the societies they live in are key state priorities. He also highlighted the importance of cooperation between Azerbaijanis living in various cities of Türkiye and local institutions, noting that the principle of “one nation, two states” is clearly reflected not only in political relations but also in diaspora cooperation.
For his part, the Governor expressed his strong interest in developing ties with the State Committee on Work with the Diaspora and his readiness to support the expansion of cooperation with the Azerbaijani community in Izmir, including in education, employment, and other areas.
The meeting also included extensive discussions on future cooperation, including organizing joint cultural and public events, strengthening ties between diaspora organizations and local authorities, and involving youth and students in projects. The parties expressed confidence that strengthening cooperation between institutions will contribute both to Azerbaijan–Türkiye friendship and to the further development of the Azerbaijani community in Izmir.