The parliament building in Baku, Azerbaijan, is holding the first session of the commission for international links of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic-speaking Countries (TURKPA).
The session was opened by MP Akhliman Amiraslanov. He noted that the TURKPA session is an essential event for Turkic states and will allow improvement of ties between states. He also mentioned the passing of a single language of communication between Turkic states. It is a complicated issue and debates have been ongoing since 1993.
Vice-Speaker of Parliament Ziyafet Askerov underlined the growing role of TURKPA and expressed hope that Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan would join it.
Kazakh MP Velikhan Konurbayev proposed the expansion of TURKPA. Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan need to understand the significant role of TURKPA in development of all-sided cooperation between Turkic states and join the organization. The parliaments of Bashkiria and Tatarstan may join as well if the wish, the MP says.
TURKPA Secretary General Ramil Hasanov says that the organization protects the interests of Turkic states. He says that TURKPA expects to gain official observer status in the UN in November-December.
The session will emphasise the priorities and most promising issues of TURKPA cooperation. A report on the organization’s work in international relations and a package of proposals on its further activities will be presented for observation at the third plenary session of TURKPA in Bishkek in 2012. Kazakhstan will host the second session of the TURKPA commission for international links in 2012.
MP Chingiz Ganizade said that Turkey will host a session of the TURKPA commission for legal affairs in December.
