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TURKPA Secretary General: Cooperation between Turkic states in defense field is of particular importance

15 April 2025 12:43 (UTC +04:00)

Cooperation in the field of defense and security among Turkic states holds particular importance in terms of responding to common threats, our strategic interests, regional security, and stability, said Mehmet Süreyya Er, Secretary General of TURKPA, at the second meeting of the chairmen of the defense and security committees of the parliaments of TURKPA member states held in Baku, APA reports.

Mehmet Süreyya Er noted that in the current international security environment, the further strengthening of unity and solidarity among states and the development of cooperation in all areas play a crucial role: “In this field, both the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and TURKPA, as the parliamentary dimension of Turkic cooperation, act as main platforms for institutionalizing this cooperation. I would like to once again emphasize the unique place of parliamentary cooperation in the steps taken for the security of our countries and our region as a whole. I sincerely believe that the continued meetings of the chairmen of the defense and security committees of parliaments will make significant contributions not only to cooperation within the framework of TURKPA but also to the security of our states and our region. Cooperation based on common ethnic roots, history, culture, language, and values among the Turkic states is turning the Turkic world into a rising center of power. Today, it would not be wrong to say that our cooperation is transitioning from solidarity to strategic coordination in many fields.”

The Secretary General of TURKPA emphasized that the Turkic states play a significant role in ensuring security across a wide geography, including beyond the region: “The challenges faced by the Turkic world, which lies at the heart of Eurasia, are often common. The fight against terrorism and transborder problems, instability in neighboring countries, and other threats are examples of these challenges. Cooperation in defense and security is of vital importance in successfully overcoming threats to security. Cooperation in a wide range of areas—from the defense industry to joint military exercises, from combating terrorism and transborder problems to cybersecurity and hybrid threats—can allow for the efficient realization of this potential. For this, institutional dialogue and systematic mutual engagement are of critical importance. In this regard, I emphasize the importance of continuing regular meetings of the chairmen of the defense and security committees of the TURKPA member parliaments and believe that this platform will contribute to the formation of a joint agenda and long-term strategy in the relevant field among our countries. I believe that today’s meeting represents an important step in this direction.”