Baku: The first Meeting of the Ministers of Labour, Employment and Social Protection of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was held in Baku. The gathering, titled “Labor Cooperation for Shared Prosperity in Turkic States,” included leaders from member countries such as Azerbaijan, Trkiye, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, alongside observer countries like the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Hungary, and Turkmenistan.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Anar Aliyev, Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Azerbaijan, opened the meeting by emphasizing the importance of strengthening ties with the Organization of Turkic States. He highlighted Azerbaijan’s achievements in social reforms, digitalization of state social services, and employment of former internally displaced persons.
Kubanychbek Omuraliev, OTS Secretary General, addressed the meeting by emphasizing the importance of collaboration among member nations in labor, employment, and social protection. He noted that the meeting aimed to advance this collaboration. Vedat Isikhan, Turkish Minister of Labour and Social Security, underlined the significance of the inaugural meeting, emphasizing the need for cooperation in these fields, guided by the ‘Turkic World 2040 Vision.’
Other speakers at the meeting stressed the importance of coordinated actions to tackle labor market challenges. They described the meeting as an essential platform for enhancing cooperation in labor, employment, and social protection.
The meeting concluded with the signing of the Declaration of the first Meeting of the Ministers of Labour, Employment and Social Protection of the Organization of Turkic States. The declaration aims to foster cooperation between member and observer states in various areas, including labor legislation, protection of labor rights, health and safety in the workplace, and gender equality. It also outlines measures to achieve these goals and provides for the establishment of a Working Group on Labour, Employment and Social Protection among the ministries.