Turkic states gear up to expand Turkic Week program in Geneva to other countries

By Muhammet Ikbal Arslan

GENEVA (AA) - The richness of the Turkic world will be showcased by the expansion of the Turkic Week program, said the Organization of Turkic States secretary general on Thursday.

Kubanychbek Omuraliev revealed the Organization of Turkic States’ (OTS) ambitious plans during his participation in the inaugural Turkic Week program held in Switzerland this Monday through Thursday.

Omuraliev said the decision to launch the Turkic Week program was last year made following discussions with OTS countries’ ambassadors to the UN Offices in Geneva.

He underlined that the instruction to organize the event was given by the heads of state of OTS countries during a summit in Astana, Kazakhstan last November.

Omuraliev voice satisfaction with the enthusiastic participation of representatives from various countries and international organizations. He underscored the collective strength and unity among Turkic states, citing the spirit of cooperation embodied in the 2009 Nakhchivan Agreement, which laid the foundation for the OTS.

Stressing the growing prominence of collaboration within the Turkic world, he said the Turkic Week program serves to reinforce this vision, fostering greater cohesion and mutual understanding among member states.

The Turkic Week program, co-organized by OTS along with the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, the International Turkic Academy, and the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States, showcased the Turkic world's cultural richness and artistic achievements.

The program featured exhibits of traditional costumes, cuisines, and music, alongside conferences aimed at promoting dialogue and cooperation among Turkic organizations. The week's closing event was a concert by Kazakh composer and pianist Rakhat-Bi Abdyssagin.