BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 20.
New risks have emerged in the realms of cybersecurity and
information security, alongside the opportunities created by
artificial intelligence (AI) and technological progress, Speaker of
the Parliament of Azerbaijan, Sahiba Gafarova, said at the 15th
plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States
(TURKPA), held on October 20 in Bishkek, the capital of
Kyrgyzstan.


This was reported by the Press and Public Relations Department
of the Milli Majlis (Azerbaijani Parliament).


She emphasized that these challenges necessitate the
strengthening of cooperation among Turkic states in the fields of
digital development and security.


During the speech, Gafarova briefed on TURKPA's activities.


She noted that since the first plenary session held in Baku in
September 2009, TURKPA has evolved into an effective platform for
dialogue and cooperation, establishing itself as a significant
organization recognized on the international stage.


The speaker highlighted that the organization's activities are
being carried out effectively and consistently across various
areas. According to him, the standing commissions of TURKPA serve
as important coordination mechanisms, and a significant framework
of model legislation is being developed within the
organization.


Gafarova noted that the observation of elections and referendums
is one of the key areas of joint activity. She pointed out that
this work not only strengthens the role and prestige of TURKPA as
an international observer body but also facilitates the exchange of
experience among parliaments. Taking this opportunity, she
congratulated her colleagues from Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan on the
successful conduct of their respective parliamentary elections and
constitutional referendums.


The speaker also highlighted the potential for expanding
cooperation among the parliaments of TURKPA member states into new
areas. In this regard, she emphasized the importance of the
activities of the Group of Women Parliamentarians and the Group of
Young Parliamentarians.


Addressing the role of young parliamentarians, Gafarova
mentioned that President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the current
Chairman of the Organization of Turkic States, shared his views on
the threats facing these nations while receiving participants of
the Fifth Meeting of the Secretaries of the Security Councils of
the organization’s member states in Baku last month. During that
meeting, he also encouraged the organization to engage actively in
the sphere of youth policy. The speaker called on TURKPA, and young
parliamentarians in particular, to step up their relevant
efforts.


She pointed out that one of the key features of TURKPA is that
it brings together representatives of peoples who share a common
culture, history, language, and national-spiritual values on a
single platform. According to Gafarova, this factor further
increases the responsibility that rests upon the members of
parliament.







Touching upon issues of digital development, the speaker said
that AI and technological progress have become key elements of
modern governance and the sustainable development of nations.
According to her, this area has been identified as a priority in
Azerbaijan.


Gafarova recalled that in February of this year, a meeting
chaired by President Ilham Aliyev was held, dedicated to the
country's new digital development strategy, during which an Action
Plan for digital development was approved. She also noted that the
Digital Development Council was established by a decree of
President Ilham Aliyev. Led by the First Vice-President of
Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva, the council ensures the formulation
of a unified approach and the coordination of national policy in
the fields of digitalization, e-government, AI, and innovation.


The speaker remarked that the parliament is actively working to
strengthen the legal framework in this area. She noted that new
legislative acts are being adopted to support Azerbaijan's digital
transformation, with concepts such as digital technologies,
innovative products, and technology transfer being incorporated
into national legislation, and the legal status of artificial
intelligence being defined.


Gafarova underscored that alongside legislative reforms, the
Parliament of Azerbaijan also effectively leverages the
opportunities offered by technological progress in its own
operations. She informed about the measures being taken to utilize
modern technological capabilities and digital technologies
extensively to enhance the parliament's activities.


The speech also highlighted that the Final Declaration of the
12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States, held last October
in Gabala, Azerbaijan, specifically emphasized the importance of
cooperation in the field of AI.


Pointing out that positive experience already exists in this
area, the speaker recalled the inauguration, just a few days ago,
of the Trans-Caspian Fiber-Optic Cable Line, a project implemented
by Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan within the framework of the "Digital
Silk Way" initiative.


Gafarova emphasized that while artificial intelligence and
technological progress bring new opportunities, they also create
additional risks in the realms of cybersecurity and information
security. In her view, these challenges necessitate further
strengthening of cooperation in these areas.


In conclusion, the speaker wished success to the Chairman of the
Jogorku Kenesh of Kyrgyzstan, Marlen Mamataliyev, during his
chairmanship of TURKPA. She expressed his confidence that the
discussions to be held and the decisions to be adopted at the 15th
plenary session would make a significant contribution to
strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation.