OTS becoming key force for regional stability, global peace, says Azerbaijani official

The Organization of Turkic States has evolved into a rapidly growing and influential geopolitical force on the international stage, playing an increasingly important role in promoting regional stability and global peace, said Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of the State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations of Azerbaijan.

Speaking at the First Meeting of Heads of State Bodies on Religious Affairs of the Member States of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Shusha, Mammadov said the organization's growing influence is underpinned by the strong ties among its member states, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

He noted that relations within the OTS are based on the principles of brotherhood, mutual trust and shared strategic interests.

"I would particularly like to highlight the significant contribution of the OTS Secretariat and personally the esteemed Kubanychbek Omuraliev to strengthening multilateral cooperation mechanisms, elevating our organization to its current level, and ensuring inter-institutional coordination. The political will of our heads of state has also been instrumental in reinforcing this unity," Mammadov said.

The Shusha meeting aims to safeguard the shared national, spiritual, and cultural heritage of the Turkic peoples while broadening cooperation among the relevant state institutions of the OTS member states. Participants are expected to explore avenues for collaboration in the regulation of state–religion relations, religious education, legislative frameworks, institutional governance, and capacity-building in human resources.

The agenda also includes discussions on preserving, restoring, and promoting internationally the monuments that embody the common religious and cultural heritage of the Turkic world. Participants will further address measures to foster interfaith understanding, strengthen interdenominational dialogue and Islamic solidarity, and enhance the exchange of expertise and information in combating religious radicalism and extremism.

A key item on the agenda is the proposed establishment of a permanent cooperation mechanism among the state authorities responsible for religious affairs within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States. The initiative is intended to reinforce coordination among member states, institutionalize joint engagement, and provide a stronger foundation for expanding long-term cooperation.

By Vafa Guliyeva