As part of his working visit to Azerbaijan on 7 October, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov arrived at the Heydar Aliyev Congress Centre, where the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was held. This was reported by the news website Asmannews.

In the foyer of the Congress Centre, Hero Arkadag was warmly welcomed by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. After the welcome, a joint photo session was held with the Heads of Delegations of the countries participating in the Summit.

Opening the meeting, the President of Azerbaijan welcomed the participants of the forum, expressed his gratitude for their response to the invitation and noted the role of the OTS in strengthening the unity and solidarity of the Turkic peoples, who are linked by a common history, language, culture and spiritual values.

The floor was then given to the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan. Hero Arkadag thanked Ilham Aliyev for his hospitality and stressed that the Organization of Turkic States is a unifying platform for friendly peoples based on their common cultural and historical heritage.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted that the main goal of the OTS is to strengthen friendship and brotherhood between the countries of the Turkic world, as well as to coordinate joint actions at the regional and international levels. In the context of global challenges, the coordination of the positions of states and their efforts to ensure peace, stability and trust are of particular importance.

The National Leader of the Turkmen people recalled that, on the initiative of Turkmenistan, the UN General Assembly proclaimed 2025 as the International Year of Peace and Trust, and invited the participants of the Summit to take part in an international forum which will be held on 12 December in Ashgabat in honour of this event and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality.

Continuing his speech, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty emphasised the spiritual and cultural unity of the Turkic peoples, their common historical roots and the contribution of their ancestors to world civilisation. The National Leader of the Turkmen people noted the importance of the Great Silk Road, which connected the Turkic countries and contributed to the development of trade, culture and the exchange of knowledge.

According to the Hero Arkadag, Turkmenistan attaches great importance to the development of comprehensive cooperation with the OTS member states, implementing large-scale initiatives in the fields of energy, transport, logistics and communications. Particular attention is paid to humanitarian ties — the preservation of cultural heritage, traditions and spiritual values.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov proposed to intensify joint cultural events — Culture Days, exhibitions, theatre performances, festivals and film screenings.

In the near future, the Hero Arkadag noted, Azerbaijan will host the Days of Culture of Turkmenistan, as well as events dedicated to the traditions of carpet weaving and breeding of Ahal-Teke and Karabakh horses. Such initiatives, in his opinion, contribute to the strengthening of cultural contacts between the brotherly peoples.

The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty also stressed the importance of expanding scientific and educational exchanges, implementing student programmes and jointly studying historical and cultural heritage. In the field of sports, according to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, joint training camps and international tournaments aimed at promoting physical culture among young people will be useful.

In conclusion, the Hero Arkadag confirmed Turkmenistan's readiness to deepen cooperation with all OTS countries to achieve common goals and strengthen fraternal ties. He wished the Summit participants health and success, and the peoples of the Turkic states peace, well-being and prosperity.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev thanked Hero Arkadag for his meaningful speech and specific proposals, noting their importance for the further development of friendly and partnership relations between the countries of the Turkic world.