TURKPA Workshop on "Local Governments and Cross-Border Cooperation" held in Istanbul

On 4 December 2025, the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA) held a workshop in Istanbul titled “Local Governments and Cross-Border Cooperation”. The event was organized by the TURKPA Commission on Legal Affairs and International Relations in cooperation with the Union of Turkish World Municipalities (TDBB). Held as part of the Commission’s 2026 work plan, the workshop was moderated by Dr. Kadir Yaman, Secretary of the TURKPA Commission on Legal Affairs and International Relations, with support from Mr. Azar Mammadov, Legal Affairs Officer. The host of the workshop was Dr. Fahri Solak, Secretary General of TDBB. The event saw wide participation, bringing together members of the parliaments, mayors and union presidents, parliamentary legislative experts, and academics from Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Presentations and discussions at the workshop focused on strengthening the capacities of local governments, encouraging mutual exchange of experience, and ultimately deepening regional integration and sustainable development. Throughout the workshop, the role of local governments as an actor of regional cooperation in Turkic states was highlighted. In this context, representatives of local governments and parliamentary experts discussed practical implementation mechanisms for cross-border cooperation to address common challenges and considered existing obstacles to collaboration. Furthermore, evaluations were made on concrete policy proposals aimed at building a sustainable foundation for cooperation. Following a group photo session, the workshop concluded with the presentation of gifts to the participants by TURKPA and TDBB. The outcomes of this workshop will form the basis for the official report titled "The Role of Local Governments in Strengthening Regional Cooperation among TURKPA Member States," which will be prepared by the TURKPA Commission on Legal Affairs and International Relations.