Türkiye works with Azerbaijan on projects and new structures within OTS

Türkiye is working with Azerbaijan on implementing projects and establishing new structures within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Ali Hamza Pehlivan, head of Türkiye's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), told Report.

He said that Türkiye also cooperates with Azerbaijan within the UN framework, as well as through OTS.

Pehlivan noted that the two countries regularly conduct joint exercises and training programs in disaster and emergency management.

Pehlivan recalled that in June, a meeting was held in Ankara following the successful completion by a group of Azerbaijani Ministry of Emergency Situations search-and-rescue personnel, with the participation of AFAD experts, of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) INSARAG international accreditation process.

The AFAD chief also highlighted regular meetings with other Turkic states within the OTS framework.

He recalled meeting Azerbaijani Minister of Emergency Situations Kamaladdin Heydarov at an international event organized by Uzbekistan in April, attended by representatives of Türkiye, Azerbaijan and the UN.

Pehlivan also praised Azerbaijan's role in the aftermath of the February 2023 earthquakes and the implementation of the Azerbaijan Neighborhood project in Kahramanmaraş.

"Natural disasters are inevitable, but the conclusions and lessons we draw from them are also important. When the devastating earthquake struck on February 6, 2023, it was the Azerbaijani state and people who were the first to extend a brotherly hand to us. This once again reminded us that Azerbaijan is Türkiye's friend and its support," he said.