Meeting of Iranian and Turkish Speakers in Baku; Consultations for Regional Peace

Parliamentary Diplomacy at the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center On June 24, 2026, Numan Kurtulmuş, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, met and discussed with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran, on the sidelines of the 20th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) in Baku [1]. This meeting, held at the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, became a venue for exchanging views on the most sensitive geopolitical issues of the region. During this meeting, both parties emphasized the importance of strengthening parliamentary relations as a tool to reduce international tensions [2].

Support for Swiss Peace Talks and the Role of Mediators One of the main axes of this conversation was the review of the peace negotiation process in Switzerland between Iran and the United States. Expressing satisfaction with the progress made in these negotiations, where the Iranian delegation is led by Ghalibaf, Kurtulmuş stated that Ankara desires to achieve a lasting peace agreement based on international law [1][3]. The Speaker of the Turkish Parliament also pointed to the active role of Pakistan and Qatar in hosting and facilitating these talks, adding that Turkey, in cooperation with these countries, has made every effort to support the diplomatic process [1].

Sympathy with the Iranian Nation and Condemnation of Regional Crimes In another part of this meeting, Kurtulmuş, referring to recent unfortunate events, expressed the condolences of the Turkish government and nation on the occasion of the loss of Iranian citizens in the conflicts. He specifically mentioned the tragedy of the attack on a school in Minab, which resulted in the martyrdom of 168 students, calling it a great loss for the Islamic world [1][3]. He emphasized that Turkey stands by the Iranian people in these difficult conditions and against what he called an "unjust war" [1].

Emphasis on Collective Security and National Sovereignty Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also appreciated Turkey's brotherly positions and explicit support, emphasizing that regional security is only ensured through the cooperation of neighboring countries and without the interference of extra-regional powers [2]. He noted that diplomacy will only be sustainable when it is built on mutual respect and the recognition of the national sovereignty of countries [1]. At the end, both sides agreed on the continuation of close consultations to counter common threats and support the rights of the Palestinian nation.