BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 19. A meeting of the leaders of the Red Crescent Network of the member states of the Organization of Turkic-speaking States (OTS) was held in Baku, Trend reports..
In addition to the Red Crescent societies of Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, which are members of the network, the event was attended by observers from the Red Crescent societies of Turkmenistan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
The main purpose of the meeting was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the activities of the Turkish Red Crescent Network for 2025, assess the results achieved in the field of cooperation between national member societies in the humanitarian sphere, and develop an Action Plan for 2026.
Speaking at the event, President of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society, MP Novruz Aslan, emphasized that cooperation between the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society and the Turkish Red Crescent during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Second Karabakh War, as well as during the earthquake in Türkiye, has become one of the most striking examples of humanitarian harmony in the Turkic world.
He noted that joint activities with the Turkish Red Crescent are the strategic basis for humanitarian harmony in the Turkic world and are measured not only by the amount of aid provided:
“This cooperation has shown that in the face of natural disasters, war, or pandemics, the peoples of the Turkic world are united not only by geographical proximity, but also by humanistic values and spiritual ties.”
Aslan added that in recent years, cooperation between the Red Crescent societies of the Turkic states has become even more intensive. In particular, joint humanitarian training sessions have been held, mutual assistance mechanisms in emergency situations have been established, and exchanges of experience and volunteer participation in joint projects have been organized.
He also emphasized that this year marks the 105th anniversary of the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society.
“The joint activities of the Red Crescent societies of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Hungary, and Cyprus create the basis for the formation of humanitarian diplomacy,” Aslan added.
OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev stated that the organization plans to develop a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to deepen humanitarian cooperation, which will make a significant contribution to the future activities of the Turkic network.
He emphasized that humanitarian cooperation is the “golden principle” of the organization.
“Among this [cooperation], humanitarian cooperation is the golden principle, reminding us why we came together. Not only for development, but also to care, protect, and serve,” the secretary-general said.
He stressed that the creation of the Red Crescent Network, based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in October 2024 in Bishkek, laid the foundation for a powerful humanitarian alliance inspired by compassion and shared cultural values. Among the key achievements, the Secretary General mentioned the signing of a multilateral agreement on the creation of the Civil Protection Mechanism, which took place during the OIC summit in Bishkek in November 2024.
According to him, this legal mechanism significantly strengthens the collective ability of member states to respond to emergencies and natural disasters, allowing the Turkic network to operate more effectively in times of crisis.
Omuraliev noted that the meeting is taking place at a time when the world is facing serious challenges, with an increase in conflicts, divisions, and polarization, and stability and security becoming increasingly fragile. At the same time, the devastating effects of climate change, including earthquakes, floods, forest fires, and droughts, are becoming more frequent and severe, underscoring the urgent need for a coordinated response.
"In this context, the mission of the Red Crescent Network becomes vital, as it embodies the centuries-old values of the Turkic peoples: generosity, compassion, and solidarity in the face of adversity. I am confident that the results of today's meeting will be a turning point in the development of humanitarian cooperation between the OTS countries and will raise it to a new level," the Secretary General added.
In addition, Yerkebek Argymbayev, President of the Red Crescent Society of Kazakhstan, noted in his speech that cooperation in the humanitarian sphere between the Red Crescent and Red Cross societies of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States is necessary to provide assistance to victims of major emergencies as well as to vulnerable segments of the population.
He stressed that the main goal of creating a Turkic network is to unite the efforts of societies for mutual assistance in the event of large-scale crises, whether they be climate change, natural or man-made disasters, or armed conflicts.
“In order to fulfill this mission, we need to strengthen our capacity to become stronger and more active in helping our citizens and countries in need,” he said.
Of special significance, according to the president of the Red Crescent Society of Kazakhstan, is the presence at the event of the Secretary General of the OIC, Kubanychbek Omuraliev. He noted that national societies are established in accordance with the Geneva Conventions to assist their states in resolving specific problems in the humanitarian sphere, and that without the support of states, capacity building is impossible.
Argymbayev expressed confidence that the Baku Declaration, which participants will adopt today, will reflect the moment of addressing the heads of state through the Secretary General of the ICRC.
The event concluded with the signing of the Declaration of the Turkish Red Crescent Network, which confirms cooperation and solidarity between national member societies.
