UN Vienna hosts opening of Turkic Week and Silk Road exhibition

On the first day of the Turkic Week program organized by the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), the opening ceremony of a photo exhibition titled “The Turkic World on the Silk Road” was held at the United Nations Office at Vienna.

The ceremony was attended by OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Samir Sharifov, permanent representatives of OTS member states to the UN Vienna Office, officials from UN Vienna institutions, and numerous diplomatic representatives, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

Speaking at the event, OTS Secretary General Omuraliev said that the Turkic Week program reflects the shared commitment to promoting the rich historical, cultural, and intellectual heritage of the Turkic world on the international stage.

He noted that the program also deepens relations with the international community, adding that historically, Turkic peoples have played a vital role in connecting civilizations across vast geographies. Today, this legacy continues through modern initiatives that promote dialogue, connectivity, and cooperation, particularly in transportation, trade facilitation, and people-to-people ties.

Omuraliev emphasized that the photo exhibition showcases the diversity and depth of Turkic cultures and highlights the Turkic world’s contributions to global civilization.

He added that Turkic Week serves as a platform for dialogue, partnership, and forward-looking cooperation, stressing that cultural diplomacy and multilateral engagement can make meaningful contributions to international peace, mutual understanding, and sustainable development.

In his speech, Deputy Foreign Minister Samir Sharifov said that the Organization of Turkic States represents a unique framework of cooperation among countries united by shared historical roots, culture, and language.

Sharifov underlined that cooperation among Turkic states has evolved into a structured, forward-looking partnership with a concrete and expanding agenda based on a shared vision.

The exhibition, organized in cooperation with the OTS and the Turkic Academy, presents numerous photographs illustrating the common historical and cultural heritage of the Turkic world and its role in global connectivity.

As reported by CE Report, as part of the event, stands were also set up to showcase traditional clothing and cuisine from OTS member states.