Head of Organization of Turkic States highlights diaspora unity at Azerbaijani solidarity day reception

​​​​​​​By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - Kubanychbek Omuraliev, secretary-general of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), on Wednesday underscored the importance of diaspora unity and cultural cooperation.

Speaking at a reception hosted by the Azerbaijani Embassy to the US, marking the Day of Solidarity of Azerbaijanis Worldwide, Omuraliev said the annual observance is a reminder of the “unity, resilience, and strong sense of identity” shared by Azerbaijanis around the world.

"Within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States, we attach special importance to cooperation with diaspora communities. Diasporas serve as natural bridges between societies, economies and cultures," he said.

He said the OTS is working to strengthen coordination among Turkic diasporas through dialogue platforms and joint initiatives, including efforts to promote cultural heritage and people-to-people contacts in regions, including the US.

As part of those efforts, Omuraliev noted that the OTS has established a cooperation platform among national agencies responsible for diaspora affairs, which he said has produced practical results. He also announced that a Diaspora Capacity-Building Training Program launched by the organization could hold its next session in the US next year.

Omuraliev praised Azerbaijan’s leadership role within the OTS, noting that the country serves as chairperson-in-office. He said Azerbaijan has played a key role in advancing solidarity and practical cooperation across the Turkic world while promoting a shared vision of unity, connectivity and prosperity.

Azerbaijan's Ambassador to the US Khazar Ibrahim said it is not only solidarity day for Azerbaijanis but for all the Turks.

"I hope that in years to come, we'll have more and more members of diasporas from other friendly and brotherly countries coming and joining us," he said.

Omuraliev is visiting Washington, DC, where he held a meeting Monday with ambassadors of the OTS member states and observers accredited in the US.

The OTS, formerly called the Turkic Council, is an international platform for independent Turkic countries to work together to strengthen relations and ties in all spheres.

Its members are Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, while the EU state of Hungary, Turkmenistan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have observer status.​​​​​​​