Baku: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev addressed an appeal to the participants of the Solidarity Forum of NGOs from the Organization of Turkic States Member Countries, held in Baku on November 24, APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev emphasized the importance of setting ambitious goals and intensifying joint efforts among the Turkic states. He highlighted the significance of the forum as a step towards deepening cooperation across all fields and establishing more flexible mechanisms. The President underscored the unity of the Turkic states, bonded by shared ethnic roots, history, language, culture, traditions, and values, enabling them to act as a single center of power.

Aliyev pointed out Azerbaijan’s role, as the current chair of the Organization of Turkic States, in strengthening public communication and engagement among civil society institutions of the member countries. Recent meetings, including the Council of Presidents of the Turkic Red Network and the current forum, demonstrate the multifaceted nature of the work being carried out. He noted that the Turkic world is experiencing renewed growth and dynamism, with the Garabagh Victory being a source of shared pride.

Looking ahead, Aliyev expressed confidence that the ongoing reconstruction of the Garabagh and East Zangezur economic regions, along with the anticipated opening of the Zangezur Corridor, will advance development and cooperation. He also announced Azerbaijan’s readiness to launch joint grant competitions for NGOs with member states, focusing on areas such as history, culture, ecology, and climate policy.

The President called for active participation in the upcoming centenary of the First Turkological Congress in 2026, emphasizing the need for cultural integration of Turkic peoples. He highlighted the potential contributions of coordinated NGO activities within international institutions like the UN to the common objectives of the Turkic world.

Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs of the Presidential Administration, read out the President’s message during the forum. Aliyev concluded his address by expressing his hopes for strengthened solidarity, unity, and relations among Turkic countries, and welcomed participants to Azerbaijan, wishing success for the forum’s proceedings.