On 26 November 2018, the first Young Leaders Forum of the Turkic Council took place in Nakhchivan.

Participants of the forum visited the statue of Azerbaijan`s National Leader Heydar Aliyev and laid flowers at it.

Chairman of the Supreme Assembly of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Vasif Talibov addressed the opening of the forum.

Other speakers at the event included Mr. Azad Rahimov, Azerbaijani Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Omer Kocaman, Deputy Secretary General of the Turkic Council and Ms. Gunay Afandiyeva, President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation. Participating at the event Mr. Ali Yıldız, TURKPA Deputy Secretary General, also delivered a speech.

In his speech, Mr. Ali Yıldız noted that Turkic institutions functioning in various fields contribute to the further rapprochement of our peoples and the creation of new opportunities for cooperation. He stressed the significant role of TURKPA in this field and noted that the organization pays particular attention to the strengthening of relations among the youth of member countries, as the youth are the future leaders of every nation. Emphasizing the importance of discussions among the youth in various fields, Mr. Yıldız expressed his confidence that the forum will give its valuable contribution to the said issue.

The event also featured a concert of the Chamber Orchestra of Nakhchivan State Philharmonic Hall.