Azerbaijan, Türkiye launch new initiative to support families

Azerbaijan and Türkiye are preparing to sign two new action plans in 2026 aimed at strengthening the family institution and expanding bilateral cooperation in social policy over the following three years, Türkiye's Minister of Family and Social Services, Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş told local media.

“In 2026, we plan to sign two separate action plans covering the next three years. Work on developing the new action plans is continuing through mutual consultations and assessments aimed at further advancing the existing cooperation,” Göktaş said.

The minister emphasized that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev regard the protection and strengthening of the family institution as a strategic priority for the future development of society.

“We share a common vision with Azerbaijan on the protection and strengthening of the family institution,” she said.

According to Göktaş, cooperation between the two countries is also advancing within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). She noted that the first meeting of social policy ministers of OTS member states has already taken place, with the next stage focused on developing coordinated approaches to demographic challenges and enhancing the exchange of expertise.

“We will continue to strengthen cooperation to expand family-oriented policies in the face of global challenges, demographic transformations, and social changes affecting family structures,” the minister stated.

By Vafa Guliyeva