The Ambassador of Azerbaijan, Agalar Atamoglanov, spoke about the new dynamics of relations between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, the growth of tourism and cultural exchange, and how life in Kazakhstan inspired him to delve deeper into his ancestral roots.
Agalar Rahim oglu Atamoglanov, city — Astana, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Kazakhstan
About myself
My diplomatic career began at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan in the early 1990s, during the period when both our countries declared independence. Over the years of service, I have held various positions in the central office and foreign missions. I headed the Department of International Law and Treaties of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan.
I have been working as a diplomat for more than 30 years. Throughout my career, I have taken part in numerous international negotiations and have repeatedly visited Kazakhstan.
About Central Asia
I have been living and working in Central Asia since July 2021, when I was appointed Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Kazakhstan. This is a special region for me, because the people of Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are truly close — we have similar languages and shared cultural traditions. What is especially pleasant is that my children quickly adapted and grew to love living here. They happily learn about local customs, food, and make friends, which only strengthens our family and cultural unity.
My work here includes not only developing bilateral relations between our states but also strengthening the bonds between our peoples.
It is a pleasure to see how children and young people treat culture with respect and love. This shows that traditions are alive and will be passed on. Our people are indeed close in spirit. I am deeply impressed by how the Kazakh people carefully preserve and value their traditions and ancestral heritage. Although I know my roots well, being here inspired me to explore my family history — shezhire — even deeper; after some research, I discovered connections I hadn’t known before.
For me, this became an important reminder of how the memory of ancestors and respect for cultural heritage serve as a foundation for strengthening friendship and cooperation between our countries.
About work in Central Asia
Strong and multifaceted relations based on mutual respect and shared values have been established between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan. In my work, I pay special attention to the development of political dialogue, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange.
In the field of education, an intergovernmental grant program operates between the two countries. It is pleasing to see growing interest in the universities of both nations.
Last year, after a long break, Azerbaijan Culture Days were held in Kazakhstan. The events made it possible to reintroduce Kazakhstani audiences to our rich heritage.
Recently, at the opera and ballet theater, the premiere of the ballet “Two Carpets” took place, based on the legend of the Shirvan carpet. Alongside the ballet, an exhibition of Azerbaijani carpets was held, which drew great interest from visitors.
Tourist exchange between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan is growing dynamically. Between January and July 2025, about 59 000 Kazakhstani tourists visited Azerbaijan, 58% more than in the same period last year. At the same time, the number of Azerbaijanis visiting Kazakhstan increased by 48%. Kazakhstan ranks sixth in the number of tourists visiting Azerbaijan. This growth is especially encouraging, as tourism brings our people closer together.
Most importantly, when we say that we are brothers, these are not just words. For example, when the plane crash occurred in Aktau, people brought flowers to the embassy, showing their deep compassion. Such moments truly reflect the spirit of brotherhood between our peoples — not formal, but sincere and human. That’s exactly how it should be: supporting each other in difficult times and rejoicing in each other’s successes, strengthening our friendship and mutual understanding.
In 2024, in the city of Fizuli, the Kurmangazy Children’s Creativity Development Center was opened on the initiative of the President of Kazakhstan. This is not only a center for children’s creativity but also a center of friendship and brotherhood between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan.
Today, many major projects are being implemented between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, determined by our heads of state. These well-known projects include the Middle Corridor, Green Energy, and the laying of a fiber-optic cable along the bottom of the Caspian Sea.
Recently, at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, a state visit of our President Ilham Aliyev to Kazakhstan took place. During the visit, 16 new documents were signed. Each new document is a concrete step toward strengthening cooperation in various fields — from the economy and education to science, technology, and culture.
During my time in Kazakhstan, I have had the opportunity to visit Almaty, Aktau, Turkistan, Ust-Kamenogorsk, and other cities. Turkistan made a particular impression — the spiritual and cultural capital of the Turkic world. I was also fascinated by the nature of East Kazakhstan. Cooperation between the cultural capitals Shusha and Turkistan is actively developing.
During the recent visit of the President of Kazakhstan, an important agreement was also signed on establishing twin-city relations between Qazax and Taraz. Such initiatives contribute to even greater closeness between our peoples and strengthen the traditions of friendship.
Despite a busy schedule, I will try to travel around Kazakhstan with my children so that they, too, know and appreciate the diversity of this wonderful country.