AKIPRESS.COM - The First Meeting of the Heads of State Bodies Responsible for Religious Affairs of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was held in Shusha, Republic of Azerbaijan, bringing together heads of the state bodies responsible for Religious Affairs of the OTS Member States to launch a new mechanism for cooperation in the field of religious affairs.

OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev highlighted that the establishment of this new format marks an important step in implementing the Turkic World Vision 2040 and further strengthening institutional cooperation across the Turkic World. He noted that the OTS now coordinates cooperation through 60 mechanisms and areas covering a wide range of fields, including religious affairs.

The OTS Secretary General emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation among Member States through the exchange of experience, policy coordination, capacity-building, and joint efforts to preserve the common spiritual and cultural heritage of the Turkic World, promote a balanced understanding of religion, and counter extremism and radicalization. He also underlined the importance of supporting youth, academic cooperation, and collaboration with international organizations to promote dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.

The Meeting concluded with the signing of the Communiqué of the First Meeting of the Heads of State Bodies Responsible for Religious Affairs of the Organization of Turkic States, reaffirming the Member States’ commitment to strengthening institutional cooperation and advancing shared objectives in the field of religious affairs.