Baku: The new cooperation mechanism established among the state bodies for religious affairs of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) will serve to strengthen joint action against common threats, Head of Trkiye's Presidency of Religious Affairs Safi Arpagus said at the first meeting of the heads of state bodies for religious affairs of OTS member states held in Shusha, APA's Karabakh bureau reports. He emphasized the shared common history, culture, and spiritual heritage within the Turkic world.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Arpagus highlighted the new responsibilities that geopolitical tensions, disinformation, Islamophobia, religious radicalism, and extremist ideologies are creating for the religious institutions of the Turkic world. He advocated for religious institutions to more actively promote Islam's principles of peace, brotherhood, and solidarity. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of implementing joint projects to deliver religious knowledge to younger generations using modern methods.

Safi Arpagus stressed the need for developing joint programs among religious educational institutions of OTS member states, expanding academic cooperation, establishing joint research centers, and promoting the exchange of experience as key priorities for future cooperation. He identified combating religious ignorance, the distortion of sacred values, and the exploitation of religion, while safeguarding freedom of religion and conscience, social solidarity, and mutual respect, as primary responsibilities of religious institutions.

Arpagus concluded that the cooperation mechanism launched in Shusha will significantly contribute to strengthening coordination in religious services, education, and international platforms, as well as further reinforcing the bonds of brotherhood among the Turkic states.