Azerbaijan focused on deepening Turkic cooperation, says President Aliyev

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has highlighted the growing international role of the Organization of Turkic States, speaking at the informal Summit of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States held in Turkistan.

“Today, the international standing of the Organization of Turkic States is growing, and its role and position in global affairs are strengthening,” state media quotes him as saying.

He noted that Azerbaijan, as chair of the organisation, is focused on expanding cooperation among member states.

“Having assumed the chairmanship at the Gabala Summit in October last year, Azerbaijan is working toward further deepening cooperation within the framework of the organization,” the head of state emphasized.

President Aliyev also underlined upcoming cultural initiatives aimed at strengthening unity among Turkic peoples.

“The Turkic World Week, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the First Turcology Congress, which made a significant contribution to the scientific and cultural unity of Turkic peoples, will be held in Baku in June,” Aliyev said.

The head of state expressed his confidence that this event would become a landmark occasion in the cultural life of Turkic peoples.

He further drew attention to forthcoming multilateral cooperation in urban development.

“In the coming days, within the framework of the 13th session of the UN World Urban Forum to be held in Baku, a high-level dialogue of the Organization of Turkic States on urban planning will be organized,” President Aliyev stated.

The president also spoke about advancing digital cooperation among member states, emphasizing ongoing connectivity projects across Eurasia.

“Cooperation with the Turkic states in the field of digital development is progressing successfully. The implementation of the Digital Silk Road project between Europe and Asia is underway,” Aliyev said.

He added that key infrastructure under this initiative is nearing completion.

The head of state noted that as part of this project, the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable line between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan is expected to become operational in the coming months.

By Vugar Khalilov