Baku: On July 10, the International Forum of Financial Intelligence Units of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) commenced in Baku, organized by the Financial Monitoring Service of Azerbaijan.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the participants visited the Alley of Honors to pay tribute to National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the founder and architect of modern independent Azerbaijan, by laying a wreath and flowers at his grave. They also placed flowers at the grave of prominent ophthalmologist and academician Zarifa Aliyeva.

The forum aims to further strengthen cooperation among the financial intelligence units of the OTS, promote the exchange of experience, and develop common approaches to combating financial crimes. The opening ceremony featured speeches by Zaur Fatizada, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Financial Monitoring Service of Azerbaijan; OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev; as well as heads of the OTS member states' financial intelligence units and other high-ranking guests.

Zaur Fatizada highlighted the successful reforms implemented in Azerbaijan under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev and the results achieved. He emphasized that the policy implemented by the head of state has ensured the sustainable development of a fair market and healthy financial relations in the country, as well as the development of a financial system that meets modern requirements.

A panel discussion with the participation of the heads of financial intelligence units of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Trkiye, Uzbekistan, and Hungary was also held as part of the forum. The panel explored the prospects for cooperation among the member states, the challenges of combating financial crimes, and opportunities for joint action.