Turkic Red Network strengthens humanitarian ties at Baku summit PHOTO

The Council of Presidents of the Turkic Red Network of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) convened in Baku, reaffirming the member states’ commitment to regional humanitarian solidarity and cooperation.

Prior to the event, participants visited the tomb of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the Alley of Honors, the Alley of Martyrs to pay tribute to the memory of the heroes who lost their lives for the independence and territorial integrity of the country, as well as the “Turkish Martyrdom” monument, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

In his opening remarks, Novruz Aslanov, President of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society, highlighted Azerbaijan’s active role in the Turkic community. “Azerbaijan demonstrates its loyalty to the Turkic community not with words, but actions. Thanks to the successful policy implemented by President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has become one of the main geopolitical and economic pillars of the OTS, as exemplified by the recent Gabala summit. These practical initiatives further strengthen our cultural, scientific and humanitarian relations,” Aslanov stated.

Samir Sharifov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, emphasized the growing importance of coordinated mechanisms in the face of regional and global geopolitical changes. “The Turkic Red Network was established in order to enhance humanitarian solidarity in the OTS landscape, provide a rapid response to emergencies and ensure coordination. Since its inception, the network’s activity has always been in the spotlight within the OTS. We believe that while the Turkic Red Network’s primary focus is operational emergency response, it can also serve as a platform to demonstrate the humanitarian principles of the Turkic states at the global level,” Sharifov noted.

Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the OTS, described the event as a turning point in fostering humanitarian cooperation among member states, highlighting the establishment of a civil protection mechanism as a key achievement.

Fatma Meriç Yılmaz, President of the Turkish Red Crescent Society, underscored the importance of joint trainings, exchange programs, the development of training modules, and the application of digital solutions to enhance both operational capabilities and institutional ties.

Chingiz Djakipov, President of the Kyrgyz Red Crescent Society, also praised the establishment of the “Red Network” platform, stressing its significance for coordinated humanitarian action.

During the meeting, the council reviewed the final activities for 2025 and set the Strategic Directions for 2026. The gathering culminated with the signing of the Turkic Red Network Declaration in Baku, reaffirming mutual cooperation, humanitarian solidarity, and a commitment to expand information exchange, implement joint projects, and strengthen coordinated emergency response and regional cohesion.

Established in 2024 in Bishkek, the Turkic Red Network brings together the Red Crescent and Red Cross Societies of the OTS member states. This year, the chairmanship of the organization transitioned from Kyrgyzstan to Azerbaijan, signaling a new chapter in regional humanitarian collaboration.

By Vafa Guliyeva