Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 16 March, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took part in an extraordinary summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in the city of Ankara.

President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan, National leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, Prime Minister Hungary Viktor Orban, Secretary General of the OTS Kubanichbek Omuraliev and other representatives of the institutions and structures of the Organization took part in the event.

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

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

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

- The unprecedented devastating earthquake that occurred in a friendly country resonated with endless pain in our hearts. This is an incomparable, irreparable loss. Indeed, as a result of a terrible catastrophe, our dear fathers and mothers, brothers, sisters, children died and suffered, - said Shavkat Mirziyoyev. “We will never forget 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 blessed memory of all those who died untimely, to declare 6 February as the Day of Remembrance and Solidarity within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States

Giving a high appraisal to 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 began.

“In such a difficult time, the fraternal Turkish people rallied around the leader of Turkey and showed great courage, courage, unshakable will and high spirit,” the President of Uzbekistan emphasized.

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

- In addition, we will create the necessary conditions for the elderly 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 - suggested Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

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, as well as joint events with peers will be organized for them.

The head of our state drew attention to the fact that the territories where the countries of the Organization of Turkic States are located are most prone to natural disasters and risks due to their geographical and geological features.

“Unfortunately, due to global climate change, the scale of such devastating natural disasters and the damage from them have sharply increased in recent years,” said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

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

Thus, the speedy development of a multilateral agreement aimed at preventing natural disasters and emergencies is of particular importance. In this regard, Uzbekistan supported the draft document presented by the Turkish side on the creation 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 program of action in priority areas.

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

- Despite the achievements in scientific and technological fields, the problem of forecasting and early warning of earthquakes, mudflows and floods, forest fires, hurricanes is still relevant. 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 emphasized.

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

In addition, special attention was 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 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.

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