Turkic states’ spy chiefs meet in Khankendi to bolster protection of key transit routes PHOTO

The chiefs of the security and intelligence services of Turkic states met in Khankendi on November 14 for the 27th plenary session of the Conference of Special Service Agencies of Turkic States, focusing on the role of intelligence bodies in safeguarding international transport routes.

According to the Azerbaijani State Security Service (SSS), the gathering brought together Azerbaijan’s security leadership — including Colonel-General Ali Nagiyev, head of the SSS, and Colonel-General Orkhan Sultanov, head of the Foreign Intelligence Service — alongside senior representatives from Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, Caliber.Az reports.

A representative from Hungary attended as an honorary guest.

Opening the session called “The Role of Special Service Agencies in Ensuring the Security of International Transport Lines,” Nagiyev delivered an extensive address and read a message from President Ilham Aliyev to the participants.

He noted that global threats to international stability increasingly affect the security of transport and communications networks, particularly given the strategic location of Turkic states along major transit corridors.

Ensuring the safety of these routes, he said, requires deeper cooperation, coordinated efforts and more intensive information-sharing among the participating countries.

Nagiyev also outlined the role of intelligence and security agencies in protecting international transport and communications lines from terrorism, transnational organised crime, smuggling and other threats.

The session highlighted attempts by “destructive circles” to hinder the realisation of the Zangezur Corridor — a key component of the Middle Corridor connecting the Far East to Europe — and stressed that safeguarding this route remains a priority.

The meeting continued with speeches and discussions among delegates, concluding with the signing of the session’s final document.

By Aghakazim Guliyev