​Distinguished heads of delegations!

It is my great pleasure to meet with you, my dear brothers, in the unique city of Gabala, which has been one of the important trade and cultural centers of the Great Silk Road since ancient times.

The evolution of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has attracted particular attention from the international expert community, especially in the context of sustainable development, where Uzbekistan’s accession in 2019 became a catalyst for creating new opportunities for joint progress among Turkic countries.

Uzbekistan is increasingly emerging as an important destination on the global tourism map. The combination of rich cultural heritage and unique natural landscapes reveals the country to travelers as a true treasure trove of the Great Silk Road. In this context, cooperation with UNESCO takes on special significance: the recognition of monuments and sites as World Heritage objects enables their promotion on a global scale, sparking tourist interest and strengthening Uzbekistan's position in the global tourism industry.

Due to its geographical position, historical ties, and natural resources, the Organization of Turkic States is becoming an increasingly significant platform for cooperation at this new stage of development. At the same time, OTS serves as a cultural bridge, fostering closer ties between the peoples of its member countries.

At the conclusion of the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference, held in Paris from 7 to 22 November 2023, a historic decision was adopted to convene the next session—the 43rd session—in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in 2025.

During the meeting, the parties discussed establishing cooperation with Uzbek banks and exchanging expertise in the field of Islamic finance.