Baku hosts Turkic Red Network Council of Presidents Meeting
Baku, November 19, AZERTAC
The Meeting of the Council of Presidents of the Turkic Red Network of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was held in Baku.
Prior to the event, participants visited the tomb of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the Alley of Honors, the Alley of Martyrs to pay tribute to the memory of the heroes who lost their lives for the independence and territorial integrity of the country, as well as the “Turkish Martyrdom” monument.
In his opening remarks, Novruz Aslanov, President of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society, noted that Azerbaijan demonstrates its loyalty to the Turkic community not with words, but actions. Thanks to the successful policy implemented by President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has become one of the main geopolitical and economic pillars of the OTS, as exemplified by the recent Gabala summit. “These practical initiatives further strengthen our cultural, scientific and humanitarian relations,” he noted.
Samir Sharifov, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, said that in light of geopolitical transformations taking place in the region and in the international arena, the establishment of mechanisms based on joint strategic thinking and joint activities of the OTS is more critical than ever.
“The Turkic Red Network was established in order to enhance humanitarian solidarity in the OTS landscape, provide a rapid response to emergencies and ensure coordination. Since its inception, the network’s activity has always been in the spotlight within the OTS. We believe that the Turkic Red Network’s activity must be limited only to providing an operational response to emergencies, the network can also act as a means of demonstrating the humanitarian law of the Turkic states at the global level,” Sharifov noted.
Kubanychbek Omuraliev, OTS Secretary General mentioned that one of the key achievements in this field is the formation of a civil protection mechanism. He described today's event as a turning point in fostering humanitarian cooperation among the OTS countries.
Fatma Meriç Yılmaz, President of the Turkish Red Crescent Society, underlined the importance of organizing joint trainings, conducting special exchange programs, and preparing training modules and applying digital solutions, which she believes will not only increase operational potential, but also further strengthen institutional ties.
Chingiz Djakipov, President of the Kyrgyz Red Crescent Society and the Turkish Red Crescent, highlighted the significance of establishing the “Red Network” platform.
Later, the meeting reviewed the final activities for 2025 and determined the Strategic Directions for 2026.
The Turkic Red Network Declaration has been signed in Baku as part of the annual Council Meeting of the Presidents of the Member National Societies of the Turkic Red Network of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).
The signed document reaffirms mutual cooperation and humanitarian solidarity between the National Societies of the member countries.
The declaration envisages the expansion of the exchange of information and experience, the implementation of joint humanitarian projects, as well as enhancing coordinated emergency-response capacity and further strengthening regional solidarity.
Established in 2024, in Bishkek, the Turkic Red Network is a regional humanitarian platform that brings together the Red Crescent and Red Cross Societies of the Member States of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). This year the chairmanship of the organization was transferred from Kyrgyzstan to Azerbaijan.
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