Interview with Sinan Ogan, member of the Turkish Parliament, Director of the Center for Strategic Studies in Turkey TURKSAM.
A: As leader of the Turkish-Azeri Circles and as Director of the Turkish Center for International Relations and Strategic Studies (TÜRKSAM) I have done my best to develop Turkish-Azerbaijani relations and to raise awareness of world community about a fair position of Azerbaijan.
From now on, I will do this also as member of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. Of course, the parliament offers much more opportunities to do this. There is great need for foreign parliaments to recognize Khojaly Genocide. Numerous issued related to de-occupation of Azerbaijan’s lands needs to be addressed in Turkey.
Along with this, I am going to make an effort not only in terms of coordination of Azerbaijani and Turkish diaspora organizations, but also to organize joint work of diasporas of all Turkic peoples. In this regard, I am going to expand ties with Azerbaijan's State Committee on Diaspora even more.
Q: What efforts do you plan to make in terms of opening of Turkey-Armenia border and normalization of ties between Ankara and Yerevan?
A: My stance on the afore-said issued remain unchanged and I believe it is impossible to solve them without de-occupation of Azerbaijan’s lands. If I insisted on this as a member of diaspora organization before, I will now do this as a parliamentarian. If necessary, I will raise the issue that any rapprochement with Armenia is inappropriate without any progress in Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution.
Q: What are the gaps in Turkish-Azerbaijani relations which the parties need to fill up?
A: Turkish-Azerbaijani relations are at a good level, but not perfect. These relations need to be improved. There is a need to deepen Turkish-Azerbaijani relations. After all, Turkey and Azerbaijan may achieve even greater convergence in their relationship. First and foremost, they should cancel visa rules between the two countries. This requires stronger political dialogue between Azerbaijan and Turkey first and foremost.
Investments made in Turkey by Azerbaijani businessmen play an important role in the Turkish-Azerbaijani relations. In this regard, we must take additional measures to encourage investments by Azerbaijani businessmen in Turkey's economy. Therefore, I as a parliamentarian and leader of the organization will do everything necessary to simplify procedures to draw Azerbaijani capital to Turkey.
Q: Do you intend to coordinate your future work with other Turkish MPs of Azerbaijani origin elected to the parliament?
A: We wish that the number of MPs in the Turkish parliament has increased. As is known, Turkey is home to over three million Azerbaijani Turks. We, the newly elected deputies of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, will do everything depending on us to protect interests of Azerbaijan.
Lala B.News.Az
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