Jeyhun Bayramov: Expanding economic cooperation within the OTS is one of the main priorities

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov participated in the 13th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Ankara on October 30.

As reported by AZERTAJ, speaking at the event, he expressed gratitude to the Turkish side for the high level of organization of the Summit and hospitality, and once again congratulated the Turkish people on the 103rd anniversary of Republic Day.

Noting that during Azerbaijan's chairmanship of the OTS over the past year, the main priority was "Regional Peace and Security," the minister emphasized the relevance of this priority in the current conditions, when international conflicts are escalating, security threats are growing, and the norms and principles of international law are being violated.

It was brought to attention that our country has fully restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty, the conflict has been ended, last year the text of the peace agreement prepared on the basis of principles put forward by the Azerbaijani side was initialed, while the importance of Armenia taking the necessary political and legal steps for signing the agreement was emphasized.

It was reported that large-scale restoration and construction work is being carried out in the Karabakh and East Zangezur regions, modern infrastructure has been created, and approximately 100,000 people live, work, and study in these territories.

It was brought to attention that within the framework of Azerbaijan's chairmanship of the OTS, meetings of foreign ministers, secretaries of security councils, as well as heads of defense industry structures were held. The adoption of the Roadmap for Cooperation in the Defense Industry for 2027 was emphasized.

It was stated that the expansion of economic cooperation within the OTS is one of the main priorities. It was noted that the development of the Middle Corridor, the implementation of the Zangezur Corridor, the expansion of transport links, mutual investments, and joint projects create new opportunities for cooperation in the fields of trade and industry. It was emphasized that Azerbaijan, continuing to fulfill its role as a reliable supplier of traditional energy resources, contributes to the development of green energy and digital connections between Central Asia and Europe.

It was reported that during our chairmanship, meetings of the heads of the Council of Central Banks and financial monitoring services were also held in Baku, and a corresponding cooperation platform was established.

Touching upon the importance of preserving common history, language, and cultural heritage, it was noted that this year the Turkic World Week dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the First Turkology Congress, as well as a meeting of the Council of Heads of Muslim Religious Administrations, were held in Baku.

The importance of the OTS+ format in terms of strengthening the international positions of the OTS was emphasized, and attention was drawn to the need to continue efforts to obtain observer status for the Organization in the UN General Assembly.

In conclusion, J. Bayramov thanked the member states for their support during Azerbaijan's chairmanship and wished Turkey success during its chairmanship.

Gratitude was expressed to Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev for his contribution to the development of the Organization. At the same time, the new Secretary General Mirvokhid Azimov was congratulated on his appointment and wished success in his activities.

As a result, the Ankara Declaration was adopted.