Minister: Turkic states need common strategy against "destructive movements"

Turkic states should develop joint strategies to counter movements that threaten their stability and internal security, Türkiye’s Minister of Religious Affairs Safi Arpaguş has said.

Speaking at the seventh meeting of Muslim religious leaders of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), Arpaguş said the organisation had become an important strategic alliance, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

He called for stronger cooperation among Turkic states in religious, cultural and spiritual affairs, saying meetings between religious authorities should go beyond political and economic issues.

“These meetings should be viewed as a strategic consultative platform that ensures our unity in the social, cultural and spiritual spheres,” he said.

Arpaguş said such cooperation was important for reviving religious, historical and cultural ties and developing common approaches to the negative effects of globalisation.

He also raised concerns over religious radicalism and the misuse of religious concepts, saying some groups used them to create divisions within societies and provoke confrontation among Muslims.

The minister said attempts to associate Islam with violence and terrorism, as well as hate speech, xenophobia and pressure on Muslims in different parts of the world, were concerning.

“As Turkic states, we are obliged to develop a common position and strategies against all destructive movements that may threaten our stability and internal security,” Arpaguş said.

He also called for greater exchanges of experience between religious institutions in Turkic states, saying this could help counter misconceptions about Islam and prevent its exploitation by terrorist organisations.

Arpaguş further highlighted social and moral challenges linked to globalisation, artificial intelligence and digitalisation. He said joint educational and guidance projects were needed to protect families and younger generations.

He also stressed the importance of cooperation on issues including common dates for religious holidays, Ramadan, Eid al-Adha and halal food.

By Aghakazim Guliyev