TURKPA, OSCE PA Secretary Generals meet in Istanbul
Baku, November 18, AZERTAC
On 18 November, Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA), Ramil Hasan, met with the Secretary General of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), Roberto Montella, on the margins of the 23rd Autumn Meeting of the OSCE PA in Istanbul.
The TURKPA Secretary General recalled the longstanding cooperation between the two institutions, noting Roberto Montella’s instrumental support during the formative years of TURKPA, starting from his previous capacity as the OSCE PA Deputy Secretary General. He emphasized that the spirit of partnership established more than a decade ago remains a strong foundation for advancing bilateral cooperation.
During the meeting, the possibility of reintroducing a short-term experience-exchange program for the staff of the TURKPA International Secretariat in Copenhagen was discussed. The TURKPA Secretary General highlighted the success of a similar program hosted by the OSCE PA in 2010–2011, which significantly contributed to the early capacity building of TURKPA. He expressed readiness to organize a new edition of this program at a time convenient for the OSCE PA International Secretariat.
The sides also exchanged views on regional peace and dialogue. The TURKPA Secretary General commended the constructive role of the OSCE PA in supporting stability in the region and noted the positive momentum following the end of the Garabagh conflict and the continuing peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He underlined that the progress achieved provides favorable conditions for enhanced cooperation in parliamentary diplomacy. The Secretary General expressed confidence that the historic decision adopted in Washington and the advancement of peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia would contribute to creating a new environment for cooperation between TURKPA and the OSCE PA.
Given that all TURKPA member states are members of the OSCE PA, the Secretary General stressed that this shared platform offers strong potential for deepening institutional ties and undertaking joint initiatives.
The Secretary General reiterated that the member states of TURKPA will take all necessary procedural steps towards obtaining observer status for TURKPA in the OSCE PA, and that the TURKPA International Secretariat stands ready to provide full support within its capacity. He also expressed hope that the OSCE PA Secretary General would extend his support in this regard.
Moreover, the Secretary General highlighted the importance of continuing cooperation within the “TURKPA +” framework, noting that the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) adopted significant decisions on this matter at the recent Summit in Gabala. He emphasized that these decisions directly apply to TURKPA as the parliamentary dimension of the OTS.
Secretary General Ramil Hasan underscored the strong interest of TURKPA in advancing joint work with the OSCE PA on issues related to parliamentary diplomacy, democratic development, the prevention and resolution of conflicts, as well as strengthening ties between peoples.
OSCE PA Secretary General Roberto Montella, in turn, expressed pleasure with the opening of a new chapter in OSCE PA–TURKPA relations and underlined the importance of cooperation within their capacity. He noted that TURKPA has for many years participated in the OSCE PA as a guest and expressed his appreciation for its intention to upgrade its participation to observer status. Mr. Montella indicated that, within his authority as Secretary General, he would be ready to provide recommendations and assistance to support this process. The OSCE PA International Secretariat also emphasized its full support for the procedures that will commence regarding obtaining observer status for TURKPA.
The OSCE PA Secretary General also emphasized that enhanced bilateral cooperation between the two parliamentary assemblies would positively contribute to the wider region and expressed readiness to work together on future joint projects and programs.
Ramil Hasan expressed his sincere appreciation for the constructive meeting and reiterated the readiness of TURKPA to expand cooperation with the OSCE PA. He invited Roberto Montella and his colleagues to visit Azerbaijan and the Headquarters of the TURKPA International Secretariat in Baku at their convenience.
Secretary General Roberto Montella highly valued and accepted the proposal regarding a short-term study visit. It was agreed that recommendations on the scope and direction of the TURKPA staff internship program will be submitted to the OSCE PA International Secretariat.
Furthermore, Secretary General Roberto Montella positively welcomed the invitation extended by the TURKPA Secretary General and confirmed that he will visit the TURKPA International Secretariat as part of his trip to Baku.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Secretary General Gustavo Pallares, Chief of Staff Andreas Baker, Senior Advisor Iryna Sabashuk from the OSCE PA International Secretariat, and Deputy Secretary General Muhammet Alper Hayali and Secretary of the Commission Aynura Abutalibova from the TURKPA International Secretariat.
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