Baku Hosts OTS Forum to Strengthen Cooperation Against Financial Crimes
Baku, The Gulf Observer: The International Forum of Financial Intelligence Units of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) opened in Baku on July 10, bringing together senior officials and experts to enhance cooperation, exchange experience, and develop common approaches in combating financial crimes.
The forum is organized by the Financial Monitoring Service of Azerbaijan and serves as a platform for strengthening coordination among the financial intelligence units of OTS member states.
Before the opening session, participants visited the Alley of Honors to pay tribute to Heydar Aliyev, the founder and architect of modern independent Azerbaijan, by laying a wreath and flowers at his grave. They also placed flowers at the grave of prominent ophthalmologist and academician Zarifa Aliyeva.
The opening ceremony featured remarks by Zaur Fatizada, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Financial Monitoring Service of Azerbaijan; Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the OTS; and heads of the financial intelligence units of OTS member states, along with other high-ranking guests.
In his address, Fatizada highlighted the reforms carried out in Azerbaijan under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, noting that these measures have contributed to the sustainable development of a fair market, healthy financial relations, and a modern financial system that meets contemporary standards.
As part of the forum, a panel discussion was held with the participation of the heads of the financial intelligence units of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, and Hungary. The discussion focused on prospects for deeper cooperation among member states, emerging challenges in combating financial crimes, and opportunities for coordinated joint action.
The forum is expected to further reinforce collaboration within the OTS framework and support collective efforts to strengthen financial security and counter illicit financial activities across the region.
