The process of establishing the institutional cooperation amongst the judicial councils of Member and Observer Countries of the Organization of Turkic States commenced with the first meeting held in Istanbul in 2015, followed by the second meeting in Istanbul in 2024. In line with the decisions taken at these meetings, a draft statute was prepared at the technical level in Ankara at the end of 2024. Thereafter, our Council was invited through an official invitation letter to the third high-level meeting to be organized to sign this draft statute in Baku on the proposal of the Azerbaijani side to host the meeting.
In this context, Mr. Fuzuli Aydoğdu, the Acting President of the Council of Judges and Prosecutors, Mr. Atila Öztürk, the Secretary General and Mr. Hakan Bulut, the Rapporteur Judge, participated in the 3rd Meeting of the Presidents of the Judicial Councils of the Organization of Turkic States, held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, on 18–19 June 2025.
As part of the meeting, a working group meeting was held on 18 June 2025 to finalise the draft statute. The Rapporteur Judge Hakan Bulut, representing Türkiye at the meeting, actively contributed to the review of the amendments proposed by member countries. As a result of the discussions, a consensus was reached on the text. This meeting constituted the final technical stage prior to the signing ceremony.
The Meeting of the Presidents held on 19 June 2025 began with an opening speech by Mr. Inam Karimov, the Chairman of the Judicial-Legal Council and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Azerbaijan. This was followed by speeches delivered by Mr. Kubanychbek Omuraliev, the Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, Mr. Yernar Begaliyev, the Member of the Supreme Judicial Council of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Ms. Aida Seidakmatova, the President of the Council of Judges of the Kyrgyz Republic, Mr. Fuzuli Aydoğdu, the Acting President of the Council of Judges and Prosecutors of the Republic of Türkiye, Mr. Kholmumin Yodgorov, the Chairman of the Supreme Judicial Council of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr. Bertan Özdağ, the President of the Supreme Council of Judicature and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Following the opening speeches, the Statute defining the legal basis and institutional structure of the Network of Judicial Councils of the Organization of Turkic States was signed by representatives of member countries. Consequently, the Network of Judicial Councils of the Organization of Turkic States, which was intended to enhance mutual cooperation among judicial councils, institutionalise regular contacts, and encourage the sharing of experience around joint projects, was officially established.
After the signing ceremony, Mr. Fuzuli Aydoğdu, the Acting President of our Council, had a bilateral meeting with Mr. Inam Kerimov, the Chairman of the Judicial-Legal Council of Azerbaijan. During the course of the meeting, expressions of congratulations were extended on the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Judicial-Legal Council, and also gratitude was expressed to the Azerbaijani side for their contributions and support in the establishment of the Network of Judicial Councils of the Organization of Turkic States. Furthermore, appreciation was conveyed for the high level of hospitality and warm reception shown during the meeting. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Turkish delegation presented gifts to the representatives of the Azerbaijani Judicial-Legal Council to mark the significance of the occasion.
Later that afternoon, our delegation visited Prof. Dr. Birol Akgün, the Turkish Ambassador to Baku, at the Turkish Embassy. During the visit, information was provided about the course of the meeting, and thanks were expressed for the support and hospitality shown by the Embassy throughout the process.
This process, which was initiated with the aim of strengthening institutional cooperation between the judicial councils of Member and Observer Countries of the Organization of Turkic States, has reached a historic milestone with the signatures affixed. This development represents an important step not only for the judicial bodies of the Turkic World, but also for the strengthening of the rule of law, justice diplomacy and professional solidarity on a regional scale.
From the outset of this process, the Council of Judges and Prosecutors has led the way in establishing a shared vision for regional judicial administration through its effective coordination and resolute stance. With its growing international visibility, our Council remains committed to advancing cooperation with fellow countries with the aim of establishing a fair, independent and effective judicial system.
