The Fifth Meeting of Heads of Diaspora Institutions of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS): Outcomes and Plans

In 2024, the sixth session of the meeting of heads of diaspora institutions of the OTS will be organized in Tashkent.

On November 18, 2023, the Hyatt Regency Tashkent hotel hosted the sixth meeting of heads of diaspora institutions of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). Representatives from the OTS Secretariat, as well as delegations from Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, attended the event.

In the hotel lobby, an exhibition of traditional handicrafts presented by national cultural centers was showcased for the conference participants.

Objectives of the Forum:

• Enhancing the potential of member states' diasporas and strengthening solidarity.
• Discussing the problems of Turkic diasporas and possible solutions.
• Facilitating the exchange of experience between diaspora institutions and NGOs of member states.

The forum began with an opening speech by the chairman of the Committee on Interethnic Relations and Friendly Ties with Foreign Countries under the Ministry of Culture of Uzbekistan, Rustambek Kurbanov. The following officials also delivered speeches:

• OTS Secretary General Kubanichbek Omuraliev;
• Chairman of the State Committee on Work with the Diaspora of the Republic of Azerbaijan Fuad Muradov;
• Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Protection, and Migration of the Kyrgyz Republic Bakyt Darmanku uulu;
• Head of the "Otandastar" Foundation of the Republic of Kazakhstan Daniyar Kadyrov;
• Chairman of the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities of Turkey Abdullah Eren.

Speakers emphasized the importance of joint efforts to address modern global challenges, such as social and humanitarian crises, and the need to pool resources to ensure peace and stability.

Special attention was given to strengthening international cooperation to promote interethnic harmony, developing cultural and educational ties, and utilizing the potential of "people's diplomacy" to tackle global issues.

Currently, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan are full members of the Organization of Turkic States, while Hungary and Turkmenistan have held observer status since 2018.

Key Outcomes of the Meeting:

1. A memorandum was signed between the "Vatandoshlar" Foundation (Uzbekistan) and the Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities of Turkey.
2. Rustambek Kurbanov, Chairman of the Committee on Interethnic Relations of Uzbekistan, held separate meetings with heads of diaspora institutions from OTS member states.