Baku: The 7th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Muslim Religious Boards of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) took place in Baku, marking an important gathering for the member states. The event commenced with the national anthem and a recitation from the Holy Quran.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office and chair of the meeting, addressed the gathering by emphasizing the significance of cooperation and regular consultations among Muslim religious leaders within the OTS. He highlighted the importance of the heads of state in nurturing religious and spiritual values through wise policies.
OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev spoke on the organization's objectives, which include promoting unity, solidarity, and cooperation among Turkic peoples, building a future rooted in shared history and values. The meeting was also addressed by Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan and Supreme Mufti Nauryzbay Kazhy Taganuly, who emphasized the family's role in human development, describing it as a sacred space.
Head of Trkiye's Directorate of Religious Affairs, Safi Arpagus, described the meetings of religious leaders as a vital consultation platform to enhance cooperation within the OTS across various spheres including social, cultural, spiritual, political, and economic areas. Other speakers at the meeting highlighted the OTS's increasing global influence and the strengthening ties between member states, as well as the Muslim world's contributions to science, morality, and technology.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Baku Declaration and an appeal to President Ilham Aliyev by the religious leaders of the Council's member and observer states. Harun Nurullah Tanzi, an OTS Secretariat representative, reported on the outcomes of the Fatwa Committee working group meeting, which included agreed fatwas on science and technology, family values, and the declaration of a Muslim as an infidel.
In his closing remarks, Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade expressed gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for his support in organizing the event, as well as appreciation for the contributions of the heads of state of OTS member and observer countries, the OTS Secretariat, and the Fatwa Committee members. It was announced that the eighth meeting of the Council will be held in Trkiye, with the chairmanship transferred to Safi Arpagus, Head of Trkiye's Directorate of Religious Affairs.