Minister: Azerbaijan calls for unified drive to boost Turkic agricultural exports PHOTO

Azerbaijani Minister of Agriculture Majnun Mammadov has announced that Azerbaijan urged member states of the Organisation of Turkic States to deepen agricultural cooperation and work toward boosting exports of key food products, highlighting the sector’s growing strategic importance amid global challenges.

Speaking at the 4th meeting of agriculture ministers of the member-states of the Organisation of Turkic States in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, Mammadov emphasised the potential of agricultural diplomacy as a powerful instrument for regional integration and food security, Caliber.Az reports. 

“Agricultural diplomacy is a vital tool for overcoming the numerous challenges and threats facing the global agri-food system,” the minister said. “It is essential to further strengthen trade ties among member states of the Organisation of Turkic States and work collectively toward transforming our region into a leading exporter of key agricultural commodities.”

Mammadov outlined the strategic advantages shared by member states of the Organisation of Turkic States, including modern transport infrastructure, abundant energy resources, free economic zones, and a favorable investment climate, all of which, he said, offer fertile ground for agricultural sector development and cross-border business partnerships. He also confirmed that the long-anticipated Turkic Investment Fund is expected to become fully operational later this year. 

The minister said that the fund should be actively used to launch pilot projects for joint agricultural production under a unified “Organisation of Turkic States brand.” Ministers in attendance stressed the importance of collaborative efforts in digitalising agriculture, enhancing technology exchange, and sharing best practices to boost productivity and ensure sustainable growth across the region. In a symbolic move, the city of Cholpon-Ata was unanimously named the “Agricultural Capital of the Turkic World” starting from September 2025. 

Delegates also agreed that the next agriculture ministerial meeting of the Organisation of Turkic States will be held in Türkiye. As part of their agenda, ministers decided to instruct the Working Group on Agriculture to develop a comprehensive action plan for 2026, outlining concrete steps to advance agricultural integration and cooperation. The meeting concluded with the adoption of a final declaration detailing shared goals and strategic initiatives to enhance agri-food trade and innovation among Turkic nations.

By Naila Huseynova