Ashgabat, 12 January 2021 (TDI): An extraordinary online meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Organization of Turkic States took place with the participation of Rashid Meredov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.
The extraordinary meeting was held in 11 January. R.Meredov, speaking at the meeting, noted the importance of the Summit of the Organization of Turkic States, held in Istanbul on November 12, 2021.
In this regard, it received a special mention that President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, in his speech at the Summit, emphasized: “The people of our countries are united by common values of long-term historical roots aimed at ensuring peace, stability and mutual understanding”.
The minister said that based on this fundamental approach, Turkmenistan will continue to work closely with all member states of the Organization to maintain lasting peace and security, which guarantees economic, social, and humanitarian development in the countries of the region.
STATEMENTS REGARDING THE SITUATION IN KAZAKHSTAN
Speaking about the events of recent days in Kazakhstan, R.Meredov emphasized that Turkmenistan has an interest in the soonest normalization of the situation in this country, in further stable socio-political and socio-economic development of Kazakhstan.
He expressed a firm conviction that such qualities as wisdom, foresight, deep respect for the customs and traditions of the ancient Kazakh people will serve as a solid foundation for resolving all issues arising in the constitutional and legal framework and following international norms.
Expressing his wishes for peace and prosperity to the Kazakh people, R. Meredov assured that Turkmenistan will make all necessary efforts to achieve this goal.
At the same time, Turkmenistan, as a neutral state recognized by the international community; is ready to provide any support to the people of Kazakhstan in the economic, social, and humanitarian spheres.
In this regard, R.Meredov said that Turkmenistan is ready to begin exports of natural gas to the Republic of Kazakhstan. According to Meredov, those exports would start in March this year. In addition, Meredov noted that Turkmenistan is also ready to provide brotherly Kazakhstan with the necessary amount of electricity.
ADRESS OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL BAGHDAD AMREYEV
Amreyev gave a speech during the meeting. He first thanked the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey, Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, as the representative of the country that holds the chairmanship of the Organization to discuss the latest developments in Kazakhstan.
According to Amreyev, the fact that Turkey summoned the meeting of the Organization reaffirmed their support to Kazakhstan. He then added that because Kazakhstan is an extremely important and integral part of the Turkic world; it is important for the organization to maintain peace and ensure the wellbeing of the Kazakhs.
Kazakh land is the motherland for all Turks and therefore the stability and prosperity of Kazakhstan are integral to the well-being of the rest of the Turkic world. He then stated that In this spirit, as the Secretariat, since the first day we are following the developments and showing every effort to ensure coordination among our Member and Observer States.
BACKGROUND ON THE ORGANIZATION OF TURKIC STATES
The Members established the Organization of Turkic States in 2009, as an intergovernmental organization. The Organization has the objective of promoting comprehensive cooperation among the Turkic States.
Moreover, the founding members of the organization are Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey. Uzbekistan joined as a full member during the 7th Summit held in Baku in October 2019.
On the other side, Hungary received observer status at the Organization during its 6th Summit in Cholpon-Ata, in September 2018. Later in the 8th Summit held in November 2021, Turkmenistan joined as an Observer Member to the Organization.
The organization abides by the purpose and the principles of the UN; and other universally recognized principles and norms of international law. They dedicate their efforts to strengthening peace and stability; also promoting wide-ranging cooperation, and disclosing the potential for common development among its member states.
The Members constructed the organization on four main pillars common history, common language, common identity, and common culture; although the Turkic Council does not limit itself to the confines of these commonalities.
RESULTS OF THE MEETING ACCORDING TO THE KAZAKH MINISTRY
During the meeting, the Ministers that participated reaffirmed their support towards Kazakhstan, as they discussed the latest situation in the country. The Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a joint statement; the ministers reaffirmed their readiness to support the people and government of Kazakhstan in overcoming the current crisis.
