Heads of Committees on Defense and Security of TURKPA Member Parliaments convened for the Second Meeting in Baku

On 15 April 2025, the Second Meeting of the Heads of Committees on Defense and Security of the TURKPA Member Parliaments was hosted by the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Baku. Held under the theme “Strengthening Security and Defense Cooperation among the Turkic States: Role of Parliaments”, the meeting brought together parliamentary delegations from the TURKPA member and observer states, as well as Uzbekistan. The meeting served as an important platform to advance dialogue on regional security challenges and to foster inter-parliamentary cooperation in the areas of defense and security. The meeting commenced with opening remarks by the Chair of the Committee on Defense, Security and Counter-Corruption of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan Arzu Naghiyev. Keynote speeches were delivered by the Chair of the Committee on National Defense of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Hulusi Akar, member of the Committee on International Relations, Defense and Security of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan Amangeldi Nugmanov, Vice-Chair of the Committee on International Affairs, Defense, Security and Migration of the Jogorku Kenesh of the Kyrgyz Republic Eldar Sulaimanov, Chair of the Committee on Defense and Security of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan Kutbidin Burkhanov, Chair of the Committee on Legal, Political Affairs, Foreign Relations and Defense of the Assembly of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Yasemi Öztürk and TURKPA Secretary General Mehmet Süreyya Er. In his speech, Secretary General Mehmet Süreyya Er emphasized the relevance of the meeting against the backdrop of political developments in the world, geopolitical tensions, erosion of international law and changing threats dynamics. Touching on the importance of defense and security cooperation among the Turkic states in terms of addressing the common threats, common strategic interests, and regional security and stability, the Secretary General mentioned the role of TURKPA as a platform for institutionalization of cooperation in this area. In this context, he underlined the unique place of parliamentary dialogue and cooperation in shaping security policies and ensuring regional security. Members of the Committee on National Defense of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Abdürrahim Dusak, Aşkın Genç and Zuhal Karakoç Dora, and members of the Committee on Defense, Security and Counter-Corruption of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan Hikmat Mammadov, Erkin Gadirli, Ramid Namazov, Gaya Mammadov, Gulshan Pashayeva, Samir Valiyev, Rizvan Nabiyev, Mahir Suleymanli, Sabina Salmanova and Aydin Mirzazada also took the floor during the meeting. Discussions focused on the strengthening security and defense cooperation among the Turkic states and the role of parliaments in this regard. The significance of holding the meetings of heads of committees on defense and security of the TURKPA Member Parliaments on a regular basis was emphasized at the meeting. The meeting facilitated the exchange of views and contributed to shaping a cohesive and forward-looking vision for security and defense cooperation among the Turkic states. Prior to the meeting, the participants visited the tomb of National Leader of Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev at the Alley of Honors and the Victory Monument. The program also included a visit to a facility under the Ministry of Defence Industry of the Republic of Azerbaijan.