Bayramov outlines priorities of the OTS – Security and defence industry in focus

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov addressed a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) member countries in Ankara.

According to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, as reported by TodayPress TV, Bayramov congratulated Türkiye on the 103rd anniversary of the founding of the Republic.

Bayramov said Azerbaijan’s priorities during its chairmanship of the OTS include developing cooperation, preserving shared historical and cultural heritage, strengthening ties between the peoples, improving institutional efficiency, expanding economic and transport links, and enhancing the organization’s international standing.

He noted that these priorities were reaffirmed at the OTS Summit of Heads of State held in Gabala in October 2025.

The minister emphasized the importance of mutual trust, shared interests and solidarity amid ongoing global conflicts, growing challenges to international law and weaknesses in the global security architecture.

Highlighting the need to strengthen political dialogue and coordination in security matters, Bayramov drew attention to the importance of the meeting of secretaries of security councils held in Baku.

He also stressed the importance of adopting a 2027 Roadmap for joint production and technological cooperation in the defence industry.

The minister underlined the significance of expanding cooperation in trade, investment, transport connectivity, energy, finance, digital development, innovation and new technologies.

Humanitarian and cultural initiatives were also highlighted in his address. These included Turkic World Week, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress; the first meeting in Shusha of heads of state institutions responsible for religious affairs; and the seventh meeting of the Council of Heads of Muslim Religious Administrations in Baku.

Bayramov emphasized the importance of joint diplomatic efforts in New York to secure observer status for the OTS at the United Nations General Assembly. He also noted that the OTS+ format creates new opportunities for cooperation with third countries and international organizations.

The minister stressed the need to ensure the effective implementation of decisions, maintain the sustained participation of national institutions, and strengthen the OTS Secretariat’s role in monitoring progress and coordinating activities.

Bayramov reaffirmed that Azerbaijan would continue its efforts to make the organization more effective and foster more productive cooperation among its member states.