Baku (TDI): The Second Meeting of the Heads of Committees on Defense and Security of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA) Member Parliaments was successfully held in Baku.
The meeting brought together parliamentary leaders and dignitaries from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
The discussions revolved around the theme Strengthening Security and Defense Cooperation among the Turkic States: Role of Parliaments.
The high-level meeting aimed to deepen collaboration among the Turkic states on security, defense, and regional stability, emphasizing the pivotal role of parliaments in shaping policies that respond to global and regional security challenges.
Opening the session, Arzu Naghiyev, Chairman of the Defense, Security, and Counter-Corruption Committee of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan, highlighted the enduring significance of unity among Turkic nations.
Quoting President Ilham Aliyev, he reminded the attendees that “We have no other family.”
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Akar, Chairman of the Committee on National Defense of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, stressed the evolving and complex nature of global security threats, including military conflicts, climate change, economic instability, and pandemics.
He underscored the urgent need for robust and reliable mechanisms for cooperation within the Turkic world to ensure collective resilience and preparedness.
Speaking on behalf of the Parliamentary Assembly, TURKPA Secretary General Mehmet Süreyya Er reiterated that defense and security collaboration among Turkic states holds strategic significance.
He noted that platforms such as the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and TURKPA remain central to advancing dialogue and formulating effective joint security strategies.
Eldar Sulaimanov, Deputy Chair of the Committee on International Affairs, Defense, Security, and Migration of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic, highlighted the importance of legislative alignment and operational cooperation between law enforcement bodies, noting that TURKPA plays an instrumental role in enhancing legal and political dialogue across the region.
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Yasemin Öztürk, Chairperson of the Committee on Legal, Political Affairs, and Foreign Relations of the Parliament of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, emphasized the need for a unified response to contemporary challenges such as cybersecurity, energy security, and natural disasters.
She stressed the strategic importance of Northern Cyprus’ ties with the Turkic world and its commitment to strengthening both cultural and defense cooperation within the framework of TURKPA.
All participating delegations reaffirmed their dedication to fortifying cooperation in defense and security, underscoring the shared responsibility of parliaments in promoting peace, stability, and development across the Turkic region.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
