OTS officials discuss strengthening state-religion cooperation in Shusha

Discussions were held on improving state-religion relations in member countries of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and forming institutional cooperation mechanisms adapted to modern challenges, Report informs.

According to Azerbaijan's State Committee on Affairs with Religious Associations, the remarks were made by its chairman Ramin Mammadov during meetings held in Shusha with OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Chairman of Tükiye's Directorate of Religious Affairs Safi Arpagus, Chairman of Uzbekistan's Committee on Religious Affairs Sodik Toshboyev, Chairman of the National Agency for Religious Affairs and Interethnic Relations under the President of Kyrgyzstan Talantbek Tashibekov, and Deputy Minister of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan Rustem Ali.

The meetings focused on prospects for cooperation within the OTS, protection of shared spiritual values, strengthening coordination in religious affairs, combating religious radicalism and extremism, and enhancing experience exchange between relevant state institutions.

Participants emphasized that existing cooperation models, regular contacts and joint projects among fraternal and partner countries contribute significantly to strengthening spiritual unity in the Turkic world.

They also noted that the first meeting held in Shusha is an important platform for developing ongoing dialogue and defining future priorities, fostering greater mutual trust among member states.

Delegation heads expressed gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the conditions created for the high-level organization of the event, adding that the format marks an important step in elevating institutional cooperation within the OTS.