The ninth meeting of the High-Level Expert Group on Tourism of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) took place on 28 April 2026 in Shusha, Azerbaijan.
According to AZERTAC, the event was attended by delegations from ECO member states, tourism experts, and representatives of relevant government agencies. Turkmenistan is represented at the meeting by Gulshat Bakieva, Deputy Chairperson of the Tourism Department under the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan.
During the meeting, organizational matters were addressed, including the election of the chairman, approval of the agenda, and the definition of working mechanisms.
In accordance with the agenda, participants discussed preparations for the seventh meeting of ECO Tourism Ministers, the progress of decisions made at previous meetings, documents submitted for approval, and the selection of the ECO Tourism Capital for 2030.
Furthermore, discussions were held regarding the draft Shusha Declaration, which is planned for adoption during the seventh ministerial meeting, and proposals for its content were presented.
The outcomes of the ninth High-Level Expert Group meeting will be included in the agenda of the seventh meeting of Tourism Ministers, scheduled for 29 April 2026.
It should be noted that at the fifth meeting of ECO Tourism Ministers in 2023, the city of Shusha was declared the Tourism Capital of the Economic Cooperation Organization for 2026. These tourism events are being held as part of the Action Plan of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan in connection with Shusha’s status as the ECO Tourism Capital for 2026.
Gulshat Bakieva: “Every Nation Has Its Own Unique Charm”
“Our countries share much in common—both culture and history. We were struck by the beauty of Shusha. […] The wheat fields, forests, high mountains, and Shusha itself amazed me. When we watched a video about the city, we realized once again that our visit was truly worthwhile. Here lie the roots of Azerbaijan; here is its history,” said Gulshat Bakieva, Deputy Chairperson of the Tourism Department at the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, in an interview with AZERTAC.
“We were welcomed by the very hospitable people of Azerbaijan. Naturally, everything here is organized at a high level. It is worth noting that in terms of tourism and hospitality, we have much to learn from the Azerbaijanis. Yes, Turkmens are also a hospitable people; we have been considered so since ancient times. But every nation has its own unique charm that one wants to remember forever,” Bakieva noted.
She expressed confidence that the current meeting would yield positive results. “I congratulate the city of Shusha and the entire Azerbaijani people on this city becoming the ECO Tourism Capital. This is a very prestigious title,” she concluded. /// nCa, 28 April 2026