SHUSHA – The 9th meeting of the High-Level Expert Group on Tourism of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was held in Shusha, the cultural capital of Azerbaijan. Gulshat Bakiyeva, Deputy Chairperson of the Tourism Department under the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, participated in the forum.
During the event, Bakiyeva gave an interview to the AZERTAC news agency, sharing her impressions of the region’s historical significance and natural splendor.
Historical Roots and Natural Beauty
In her remarks, Bakiyeva emphasized the cultural and historical commonalities between the two countries. Noting that this was her first visit to Shusha, she described her impressions of the city’s landscape as follows:
“Our countries share much in common—both in culture and history. From the moment we left Baku, I admired the wheat fields, forests, and majestic mountains, trying not to sleep for even a minute so as not to miss this beauty. Shusha is truly a place where the historical roots and the very spirit of Azerbaijan are preserved.”
Hospitality and Exchange of Experience
Touching upon the ancient traditions of hospitality shared by the Turkmen and Azerbaijani peoples, Gulshat Bakiyeva stressed the importance of exchanging expertise in the tourism sector. She noted that the warm welcome from the Azerbaijani people and the high organizational level of the event were exemplary.
- Much to Learn: Bakiyeva stated that the experience of Azerbaijani specialists in tourism and cooperation deserves in-depth study.
- National Uniqueness: She highlighted that every nation has its own unique “zest” that remains in one’s memory forever.
A New Status: ECO Tourism Capital
Gulshat Bakiyeva congratulated the city of Shusha on being granted the prestigious status of the Tourism Capital of the Economic Cooperation Organization. She expressed confidence that this title would play a vital role in promoting the tourism potential of the city and the entire region on a global scale.
“I consider myself a fortunate person, as fate has granted me the opportunity to visit this historical site and witness this extraordinary beauty,” she concluded.
