Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) - A briefing was held at the Agency for Information and Mass Communications with the participation of management and employees of the Institute of Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The event provided information on the participation of the President of Uzbekistan in the VII Summit of the Cooperation Council of Turkic-speaking States, which will be held in the capital of the Republic of Azerbaijan Baku on 14-15 October.

Media representatives asked why Uzbekistan decided right now to become a member of the Council.

Answering a question from journalists, the Institute’s deputy director Sanjar Valiev made an excursion into the history of the organization, its goals and objectives, adding that Uzbekistan had not previously been interested in such close cooperation, as the country had other foreign policy interests.

 “Over the past period, the situation has changed, integration processes have intensified. In modern conditions, no state is able to independently develop the full range of its capabilities in the trade and economic sphere, in attracting investments,” said Sanjar Valiev. - By joining the Cooperation Council of Turkic-speaking countries, we are integrating into the Trans-Caspian logistics route, which is beneficial for all participants. In particular, this will allow Turkey and Azerbaijan to ensure access of their products to the markets of China and South Asia. For Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, this transport route will allow access to the markets of Europe and the Middle East with lower costs. Issues related to the cultural and humanitarian sphere and the development of tourism will also be more effectively addressed. ”

Sanjar Valiyev noted that cooperation also touches on security issues: - All our countries face approximately similar threats and challenges related to the development of extremist ideas, manifestations of radicalism and terrorism. And in this regard, the Council of Turkic-speaking states provides mechanisms for interaction between countries in the field of ensuring inter-regional security both here in Central Asia and the Caucasus. This does not imply any military-political bloc, it speaks precisely about the interaction of law enforcement agencies and special services that ensure security.

Uzbekistan will become a full member of the Council from 14 October 2019.

“On 15 October, in Baku, our delegation will not only take part in the meeting of the Council for the first time, but will also introduce a number of initiatives for the development of this organization,” Sanjar Valiyev said. - Uzbekistan is a large Turkic-speaking state, after accession we will be the second country after Turkey in terms of population in this organization. Our accession was welcomed by all Member States, its executive bodies, and the secretariat. ”

It is important to note that the upcoming visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev will be his first visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan. It is expected that following its results, bilateral relations between the countries will reach a new level of cooperation.