Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov attended and addressed the 13th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Ankara, Turkiye.

Axar.az reports, citing the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, Bayramov began his speech by congratulating brotherly Turkiye and its people on the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic.

In his address, Bayramov highlighted Azerbaijan's stabilizing role in promoting peace and cooperation across the wider region. He noted that while the de facto peace process with Armenia was advancing, Armenia still needed to take the necessary political and legal steps to sign the peace agreement.

The minister also highlighted large-scale reconstruction and development efforts in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, noting that nearly 100,000 people were living, working and studying in the liberated territories.

Referring to practical cooperation in security and defence, Bayramov highlighted the meeting of secretaries of security councils held in Baku and the adoption of the 2027 Roadmap for Cooperation in the Defence Industry, which provides for joint production and technological cooperation.

He also emphasised the importance of meetings on religious affairs and cooperation among Muslim religious institutions held in Shusha and Baku.

Bayramov identified economic cooperation as a key priority for the OTS, highlighting mutual investment, transport connectivity, energy cooperation and joint projects, as reflected in the joint statement adopted at the second meeting of heads of government in Baku.

He stressed the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor, the implementation of the Zangezur Corridor and the expansion of transport links to boost trade, industrial cooperation and investment among Turkic states.

The minister also underlined Azerbaijan's role as a reliable energy supplier and its contribution to developing green energy and digital connectivity between Central Asia and Europe.

He highlighted the meetings of the OTS Council of Central (National) Banks and heads of financial intelligence units held in Baku, as well as the establishment of the OTS Cooperation Platform of Financial Intelligence Units.

Touching on the preservation of the shared history, language and cultural heritage of Turkic peoples, Bayramov highlighted the Turkic World Week held in Baku to mark the centenary of the First Turkological Congress.

He also stressed the importance of strengthening the OTS's international standing, noting the potential of the OTS+ format, established at the Gabala Summit, to deepen engagement with third countries and international organisations. Bayramov expressed support for the OTS obtaining observer status at the UN General Assembly.

At the end of his speech, the minister congratulated incoming OTS Secretary General Mirvokhid Azimov on his appointment and wished him success in his new role.