― 10 октября 2025 г.

Cooperation Protocol signed between TURKSOY and Hak-İş

A cooperation protocol was signed between TURKSOY, the International Organisation of Turkic Culture and the Hak-İş Confederation in the Conference Hall of the Headquarters of the Organization in Ankara.

The ceremony was attended by Mr. Mahmut Arslan, the President of the Hak-İş Confederation, and Mr. Sayit Yusuf, the Deputy Secretary General of TURKSOY. Prior to the signature of the protocol, Mr. Yusuf and Mr. Arslan each delivered a speech emphasising the importance of cooperation for the Turkic World.

Sayit Yusuf, Deputy Secretary General of TURKSOY: ‘A Historic Day’

Beginning his speech by recalling that TURKSOY has carried out thousands of activities since 1993 to promote and foster the cultural heritage of the Turkic World, Mr. Yusuf said: ‘It is a great honour for us to welcome our guests in this sacred place which is where the heart of culture and arts of the Turkic World beats.’

Deputy Secretary General Yusuf who said that TURKSOY and Hak-İş which is one of Türkiye's most established and largest confederations share the same feelings and concerns further stated: ‘We are signing a protocol to combine the power of TURKSOY with Hak-İş's social responsibility projects and strength. This protocol will be a majör gateway for us to reach young people, women and families through trade unions.’

Hak-İş President Mahmut Arslan: ‘Turkic Culture will be the needle of the compass’

In his speech, the President of the Hak-İş Confederation Mr. Mahmut Arslan recalled that Hak-İş is a labour confederation operating in 81 provinces of Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, with 21 unions and over 300 branches.

Quoting a metaphor inspired by Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi, President Arslan further said, "In a way, Hak-İş can be considered as a compass the pivot of which is our own culture, faith and civilisation, while its needle will show us the way to 72 nations. We are a local and national organisation, but we also have a perspective that encompasses humanity as a whole."

President Arslan further announced that the Confederation also features a ‘Committee of the Turkic World and Related Communities’ within its structure and added that:"When we spoke about the Turkic World when we were young, things looked very far away. Now, however, we are experiencing the excitement to be embracing our brothers and sisters living in the same part of the world. Yet, there remains much to be done to further advance the power of Turkish language, one of the most widely spoken languages in the world."

Signature ceremony and mutual handover of souvenirs

Following the speeches, President Mahmut Arslan and Deputy Secretary General Sayit Yusuf signed the cooperation protocol. The signature ceremony ended with the mutual handover of souvenirs.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to TURKSOY along with executives of TURKSOY and Hak-İş.