The President of Uzbekistan proposed to create a platform for practical cooperation of OTG on prevention and overcoming the consequences of emergency situations

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in the extraordinary summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Ankara on March 16.

The event, chaired by the head of Uzbekistan, was attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov, Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban, Secretary General of OTG Kubanichbek Omuraliev and other representatives of the institutions and structures of the Organization.

In accordance with the agenda, prospects for the development of multilateral cooperation in the field of emergency management and humanitarian assistance, as well as coordination of efforts in preventing and overcoming the consequences of natural disasters were discussed.

At the beginning of the summit, the participants paid tribute to the memory of the victims of the devastating earthquake that occurred on February 6 in the southwestern regions of Turkey.

In his speech, the Head of our state stressed that today's meeting and the solidarity shown by the countries of the Organization with Turkey in the days of the tragedy became a clear, practical confirmation of the strength of friendship and cohesion of the Turkic peoples, who are a strong support for each other in the most difficult moments.

- The unprecedented devastating earthquake that occurred in a friendly country has caused endless pain in our hearts. This is an incomparable, irreparable loss. After all, as a result of a terrible catastrophe, our dear fathers and mothers, brothers, sisters, and children died and suffered," Shavkat Mirziyoyev said. - We will never forget about the tens of thousands of people who died as a result of this terrible disaster.

The leader of Uzbekistan proposed, as a sign of special respect for the bright memory of all those who died prematurely, to declare February 6 a Day of Remembrance and Solidarity within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States.

Having highly appreciated the measures implemented under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the programs adopted to eliminate the consequences of a natural disaster, the head of our state emphasized that thanks to prompt, clear and effective actions, the lives and health of many people were saved, large funds were mobilized and large-scale restoration work was started.

"In such a difficult time, the fraternal Turkish people rallied around the leader of Turkey and showed great courage, bravery, unwavering will and high spirit," the President of Uzbekistan stressed.

In this regard, Uzbekistan declared its readiness to help and direct joint efforts to restore cities and villages destroyed by the earthquake and to build new towns and villages, social and industrial facilities.

"In addition, we will create the necessary conditions for elderly people from the affected areas to improve their health and relax in our country, we will also organize trips for them to the sacred places of worship of our great ancestors Imam Bukhari, Imam Termezi, Imam Maturidi, Bahauddin Naqshband," Shavkat Mirziyoyev suggested.

I also invited young people from the affected Turkish province of Hatay to visit our country this summer, where meaningful leisure and excursions to the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva will be organized for them, as well as joint events with peers.

The Head of our State drew attention to the fact that the territories where the countries of the Organization of Turkic States are located, according to their geographical and geological features, are most susceptible to natural disasters and risks.

- Unfortunately, due to global climate change in recent years, the scale of such devastating natural disasters and damage from them has increased dramatically, - said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

In order to prevent emergencies and eliminate their consequences, it is proposed to create a Platform for systemic cooperation within the Organization and on its basis to create a number of specific mechanisms.

Thus, the early development of a multilateral agreement aimed at preventing natural disasters and emergencies is of particular importance. In this regard, Uzbekistan supported the draft document submitted by the Turkish side on the establishment of a civil protection system.

The need to significantly intensify partnerships between ministries and departments for emergency situations was emphasized. During their next meeting, it was proposed to prepare a joint action program in priority areas.

The expediency of introducing mechanisms of close cooperation and support in overcoming the social and economic consequences of natural disasters was noted separately. It is proposed to ensure the unhindered supply of food and construction materials, the launch of cooperation projects aimed at restoring industry.

- Despite the achievements in the scientific and technological fields, the task of forecasting and early warning of earthquakes, mudflows and floods, forest fires, hurricanes remains urgent. Undoubtedly, a deep study of these processes, the widespread introduction of scientific and technological innovations in this area will have a great positive effect," the leader of Uzbekistan stressed.

In this regard, he put forward an initiative to create a Center for Monitoring and Analysis of Natural Disasters within the Organization of Turkic States and place it in Tashkent.

In addition, special attention is paid to the need to strengthen practical cooperation with international structures specializing in emergency situations.

At the end of his speech, the President of Uzbekistan sincerely wished the successful holding of important political events at a high level, in particular, elections in a number of countries of the Organization, and also congratulated on the upcoming holiday of spring and renewal – Navruz and the blessed month of Ramadan.

Following the summit, the Ankara Declaration was adopted, an agreement on the establishment of a Turkic Investment Fund was signed, and a decision was made to prepare an agreement on the formation of a civil protection mechanism.