The Leaders of Turkic-speaking countries hold a joint press conference

Following their 10th summit meeting, the presidents of Turkic-speaking countries held a joint press conference.

Speaking at the conference, President of Turkey Abdullah Gul noted that the 10th summit had been productive and a number of significant issues had been discussed. It had been decided to create a Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking Countries. Headquartered in Istanbul, this institution will work to strengthen ties between the member countries. Turkish diplomat Khalil Akinchi had been appointed Secretary-General of this especially important Council.

The Turkish President stated that the Council will include the Council of the Heads of State, the Council of Foreign Ministers, the Council of Elders, the Council of High-Ranking Officials, as well as a Permanent Secretariat. TÜRKSOY, operating in Ankara; the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic-Speaking Countries in Baku; and the Turkic Academy in Astana will all support the Council’s work. It had also been decided at the summit to establish in Baku a foundation to preserve Turkic culture and an institution to strengthen collaboration between universities, to establish at Astana Academy a museum and a Historical Research Foundation.

Abdullah Gul said that Astana had been declared the Capital of Turkic Culture 2012 and 3 October had been declared the Day of Cooperation of Turkic-Speaking Countries. It had been decided to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the independence of CIS Turkic countries and to hold the next summit of heads of state of Turkic-speaking countries in Kazakhstan.

Later, the heads of state answered questions on topics of interest to journalists.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev answered questions from representatives of the press.

After the press conference, a group picture was taken of the heads of state.