On November 24, the Solidarity Forum of NGOs from member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) opened in Baku.

Axar.az informs participants first toured stands displaying cultural exhibits from Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and Hungary.

The opening ceremony featured a video showcasing the historical ties, shared values, and close cooperation among the Turkic states, as well as the evolution and future prospects of these relations.

Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Presidential Administration’s Foreign Policy Department, then read President Ilham Aliyev’s letter addressed to the forum participants.

More than 500 civil society representatives from Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Hungary, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are attending the event—making it the largest forum organized through the State Support Agency for NGOs.

The program includes two panel discussions. The first, titled *“Zangezur Corridor: A Bridge Connecting the Turkic World,”* will focus on regional cooperation and civil society initiatives. The second panel, the *“First Azerbaijan–Kazakhstan NGO Cooperation Forum,”* will explore opportunities for the exchange of experience.

The Baku segment will conclude with a cultural program, after which the forum will continue in Nakhchivan. There, the Platform of NGOs of OTS Member States is expected to be established. Azerbaijan will chair the platform, which will unite NGOs from eight countries.

Participants will also be invited to the 13th World Urban Forum, set to be held in Azerbaijan in 2026. The event will conclude with the adoption of a joint statement.