Establishing mechanisms for the exchange of experience and coordinated action among the state bodies for religious affairs of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is of great importance for jointly addressing modern challenges, Chairman of the National Agency for Religious Affairs and Interethnic Relations under the President of Kyrgyzstan Talantbek Tashybekov said at the first meeting of the heads of state bodies for religious affairs of OTS member states held in Shusha, APA's Karabakh bureau reports.
He noted that the development of information technologies, migration processes, and other global trends make continuous exchange of experience between states in the religious and ideological spheres essential.
Talantbek Tashybekov stressed that the shared history, culture, and spiritual values of OTS member states provide a favorable basis for expanding cooperation in religious policy, intercultural dialogue, and interfaith dialogue.
According to him, strengthening institutional cooperation among state bodies responsible for religious affairs, expanding expert exchanges, implementing joint scientific and educational projects, increasing religious literacy, and promoting a culture of tolerance are among the key priorities.
The agency chairman emphasized the importance of paying special attention to the development of young people, stating that educational exchanges, scientific cooperation, and expanding cultural ties will further strengthen mutual understanding among the youth of the Turkic world.
Talantbek Tashybekov added that Kyrgyzstan supports the development of cooperation in the religious and humanitarian spheres based on the principles of mutual respect, equality, and consideration of national characteristics, and remains open to all initiatives in this direction.