Baku: The first meeting of the heads of state bodies for religious affairs of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), held in Shusha, is of great importance for strengthening institutional cooperation across the Turkic world, OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev said at the event, APA's Karabakh bureau reports. The Secretary General emphasized that the new cooperation format would expand policy coordination and the exchange of experience among state institutions responsible for religious affairs.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the OTS is currently developing cooperation in religious affairs alongside foreign policy, the economy, transport, education, culture, tourism, and other fields. Kubanychbek Omuraliev highlighted the critical need for close cooperation among the relevant institutions of the member states to address issues such as polarization, disinformation, intolerance, and religious extremism. Such collaboration is seen as essential for strengthening social harmony, preserving shared values, and ensuring regional stability.

The Secretary General mentioned that the newly established mechanism would complement the work of the Council of Heads of Muslim Religious Administrations of the Turkic States. He believes this will provide fresh impetus to institutional cooperation among state bodies in the development of religious policy.

Omuraliev also stressed the significance of educating young people on moral values, ethical principles, and critical thinking. He emphasized the importance of expanding religious education, academic exchanges, and scientific cooperation. The OTS Secretariat, he assured, is prepared to support all initiatives aimed at deepening cooperation among state institutions responsible for religious affairs.