Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Organization of Turkic States Convenes in Shusha

The Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) held a significant meeting in Shusha, Azerbaijan, where discussions focused on regional developments and extensive reconstruction efforts in territories liberated from occupation.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Ceyhun Bayramov addressed his counterparts, highlighting initiatives aimed at bolstering the OTS in various sectors including security, economy, trade, energy, transport, communications, and the environment. He underscored the importance of intersectoral cooperation, reflecting on the significance of the informal summit being the first high-level meeting held in the Karabakh region.

"This summit is a milestone for the Organization of Turkic States, symbolizing unity and progress within our Turkic family," Bayramov stated. "Initiatives like this contribute significantly to regular interactions among our leaders and the discussion of mutual interests. Relations with OTS member and observer states are a primary focus of Azerbaijan's foreign policy."

Bayramov praised the OTS's increasing international influence and economic potential, attributing it to the organization's development trajectory. He noted that the summit's theme, "Building a Sustainable Future through Transport, Communications, and Climate Action," aligns with contemporary global priorities. Azerbaijan is set to host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in November, marking a notable achievement for the Turkic world.

"We anticipate the support of fraternal countries in organizing COP29. The current global events, with their environmental impacts, underline the necessity of preserving a healthy planet for a sustainable future," Bayramov said. He emphasized the need for cooperation among Turkic states in addressing climate issues and highlighted the OTG's maturity in establishing a platform for environmental ministers.

Bayramov also stressed the importance of enhancing and diversifying trade between member countries and improving transport and communication corridors. The development of new transport infrastructure in liberated Azerbaijani territories is crucial for opening a new artery along the Middle Corridor, aiming to maximize the region's transit potential.

Since regaining territorial integrity, Azerbaijan has initiated extensive reconstruction in these areas, with thousands of citizens returning to their ancestral lands. However, Bayramov noted that mines planted by Armenia pose significant challenges to construction efforts, with demining being a primary goal.

Regarding the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Bayramov informed the summit of ongoing negotiations for a bilateral peace agreement. He acknowledged Kazakhstan's role in facilitating talks and reiterated Azerbaijan's commitment to a stable and lasting peace. "The key to a genuine peace treaty is for Armenia to cease its territorial claims against Azerbaijan," Bayramov emphasized, highlighting the need for Armenia to abandon constitutional references to unification with Nagorno-Karabakh.

The meeting underscored the OTS's role in fostering regional cooperation and addressing shared challenges, marking another step towards achieving sustainable development and stability in the region.