Ukraine seeks to obtain observer status in Turkic Council

07.08.2020 15:23

Ukrinform

Ukraine seeks to obtain observer status in the Turkic Council, an international organization of Turkic-speaking countries whose members are Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

"Ukraine seeks to obtain observer status in the Turkic Council, which is a unifying organization of the Turkic community and whose members are Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan," First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Emine Dzheppar said in an interview with the Demirören Turkish news agency.

The diplomat reminded about the historical ties between the countries, calling Ukraine the heir of Turkish culture.

"We are neighboring countries. Ukraine is the heir of Turkish culture. Crimean Tatars are a bridge between Ukraine and Turkey," Dzheppar said.

Turkic Council (Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States) was established in October 2009 with the aim of strengthening peace and stability, developing cooperation and potential for joint development of member countries. Its activities are based on four basic principles: common history, language, identity, and culture. The organization also cooperates with neighboring countries to ensure peace and stability in the region. The Turkic Council convenes annual summits since 2011. Hungary received observer status in the Turkic Council in September 2018.