Baku: 'Turkic states should develop joint strategies against harmful movements,' Safi Arpagus, Head of Trkiye's Directorate of Religious Affairs stated at the 7th Meeting of Muslim Religious Leaders of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Safi Arpagus emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation among Turkic states in religious, cultural, and spiritual spheres against the backdrop of global challenges and a crisis of values. He highlighted the significance of the OTS as a strategic union and urged that meetings of the heads of religious affairs and religious administrations of member countries should not be confined only to political and economic issues.

Safi Arpagus stated that these gatherings should be considered a strategic consultation platform that ensures unity in social, cultural, and spiritual areas. He underlined the importance of such meetings in reviving religious, historical, and cultural ties and forming common approaches against the negative effects of globalization.

The head of Trkiye's Directorate of Religious Affairs pointed out that Islamic civilization is built on universal values encompassing all humanity. He emphasized the responsibility of passing the rich heritage of the Turkic-Islamic world to future generations. In his speech, Arpagus addressed issues of religious radicalism and the misuse of religious values, warning about structures that create discord in societies by using religious concepts to sow confrontation among Muslims.

He expressed concern over attempts to associate Islam with violence and terrorism and systematic pressure against Muslims, including hate speech and xenophobia in various regions worldwide. 'As Turkic states, we are obliged to develop a common position and strategies against all harmful movements that could threaten our stability and internal security,' Safi Arpagus emphasized.

Arpagus also highlighted the importance of increasing the exchange of experience among the religious institutions of Turkic states, which could help prevent the misperception of Islam worldwide and its exploitation by terrorist organizations. He drew attention to new social and moral problems created by globalization, artificial intelligence, and digitalization, stressing the need for joint awareness-raising and guidance projects aimed at protecting families and the younger generation.

Finally, he noted the importance of cooperation in areas such as setting common dates for religious holidays, the month of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha, and issues related to halal food.