Tokayev Calls for Stronger Law Enforcement Cooperation Among Turkic States

Astana, The Gulf Observer: President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called on member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) to strengthen cooperation among their law-enforcement agencies in response to emerging security challenges.

Tokayev made the remarks during a meeting with the heads of law-enforcement authorities from OTS member states in Astana ahead of a meeting of the Council of Ministers of Interior of the Organization of Turkic States, according to media reports.

The meeting was attended by the interior ministers of Azerbaijan, Vilayat Eyvazov; Kyrgyzstan, Ulan Niyazbekov; Türkiye, Mustafa Çiftçi; Uzbekistan, Aziz Tashpulatov; and Kazakhstan, Erzhan Sadenov. OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev also addressed the gathering.

Tokayev emphasized that cooperation among Turkic states has been steadily developing on the basis of shared history, language, traditions and common interests. He said the OTS plays an important role in strengthening friendship among its member states and noted Kazakhstan’s priority attention to expanding comprehensive cooperation with the organization.

The Kazakh President particularly highlighted the growing cooperation between law-enforcement agencies and described the meeting of interior ministers as an important platform for strengthening coordination in this area.

Tokayev also drew attention to the modern challenges and threats emerging amid global transformations. He noted that the international environment has become increasingly unstable and unpredictable, while also creating new opportunities for development.

He stressed the importance of decisive measures to safeguard prosperity and highlighted Kazakhstan’s recent political and institutional reforms, including the adoption of a new Constitution through a nationwide referendum in March.

According to Tokayev, the new Constitution enshrines the protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms and the maintenance of law and order as fundamental principles. It also introduced the position of Vice President and established a new government.

The President further outlined ongoing changes in Kazakhstan’s public administration and national security system. He noted the establishment of the Office of the Security Council, tasked with comprehensively analysing global and national challenges and coordinating national security efforts.

Tokayev said the forthcoming formation of the Khalyk Kenesi, or People’s Council, and broader reforms in public administration would contribute to the ongoing transformation of the state governance system.

He added that large-scale reforms would extend to all areas, including law-enforcement activities.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Tokayev conveyed greetings to the leaders of the OTS member states and called for continued efforts to preserve and strengthen friendly relations among the Turkic countries.