On 26 June 2025 H.E. Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev, the Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), delivered a keynote speech at the 1st Meeting of the Heads of Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) of the OTS, which was held in Issyk-Kul, Kyrgyzstan, as part of the II International Forum of Financial Intelligence Units of the OTS.

In his speech, the Secretary General highlighted the timely decision to transform the International Forum of Financial Intelligence Units into a permanent mechanism for cooperation within the OTS. He emphasized the importance of collective action in combating financial crime and enhancing the integrity of financial systems across the OTS Member States. 

Ambassador Omuraliev further outlined the OTS’s broader economic cooperation, including the establishment of the Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Turkic Investment Fund, the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, the Turkic Green Finance Council and the Council of Central (National) Banks of OTS. He stressed that the involvement of financial intelligence units is crucial for ensuring the security and integrity of these expanding economic and financial networks.
The agenda of the event also featured opening remarks from high-level Kyrgyz officials, followed by speeches from the heads of the participating FIUs. The forum included in-depth presentations on topics such as the assessment of risks related to virtual assets, national experiences in countering the use of digital assets for money laundering and terrorist financing.

A key outcome of the meeting was the signing of a joint Communiqué, affirming the participants’ commitment to strengthening cooperation in financial intelligence, combating money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism. The Communiqué highlights the intention to promote information exchange, develop joint training and capacity-building programs, as well as encourage research and knowledge sharing among OTS Member States.