Zorlu: Turkey and Azerbaijan will discuss their problems within the family

AKP Deputy Chairman Kürşad Zorlu said differences may exist in how Turkey and Azerbaijan proceed, without addressing points that have strained ties. Speaking at an Ankara event for the Kyrgyz Republic's independence day, he said the two states respect each other's decisions and sovereignty. "We know how to discuss our problems within our family council, in a way that suits us," he said.

Tensions also centre on a regulation change that would result in headscarves being banned in schools. New Azerbaijani rules for primary, middle and high schools bar extra clothing items that disrupt uniform uniformity or conflict with secularism. On 13 October, Presidential Chief Adviser Oktay Saral wrote on social media that blocking headscarved students' right to education "is unacceptable." President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had not yet commented.

The Azerbaijan-Turkey Interparliamentary Working Group expressed "serious concern and sorrow" over criticism of Azerbaijan in some Turkish media and political circles. According to BBC Azerbaijani, it called statements by Saral and some AKP MPs "baseless accusations" and urged Turkey not to interfere in Azerbaijan's internal affairs. AKP spokesman Ömer Çelik said protesting groups in Turkey have no link to the party or government.