The International Forum of Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) of Turkic States on the theme of “Data Sharing and Application of Advanced Technologies for Financial Intelligence” was organized on 9 October 2024 in Shusha, Azerbaijan with the participation of high-level government officials, representatives of financial intelligence units of the OTS Member States, experts, business and academic circles. The main aim of the Forum is to strengthen cooperation among Turkic States in combating the legalization of criminally obtained property and the financing of terrorism.
The forum officially opened with speeches from Mr. Zaur Fatizade, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Financial Monitoring Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Aydin Karimov, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Shusha district, and Dr. Ömer Kocaman, Deputy Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).
During his speech Dr. Kocaman briefed the participants on the Organization’s political and main economic projects and initiatives for economic growth and cross-border cooperation. The Deputy Secretary General emphasized the need for robust collaboration and the creation of a legal framework to institutionalize efforts in financial monitoring and regulation within the OTS region. He concluded by expressing gratitude for the participants' dedication and encouraged continued cooperation to drive positive change in financial systems.
The Forum continued with the leadership panel, where representatives of Financial Intelligence Units of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Türkiye and Hungary shared insights about the organizations they represent and cooperation perspectives.
During the panel session titled “Data sharing and application of advanced technologies: best practices” the participants exchanged their views on data sharing and the application of advanced technologies. Presentations covered innovative solutions such as the Suspicious Activities Monitoring System (SAMS) in Azerbaijan, the development of a Risk Assessment Center in Uzbekistan, national anti-money laundering and countering financing terrorism system in Kyrgyzstan, as well as experience of Hungary in combating online fraud.
The Forum concluded with a session dedicated to the future of sustainable cooperation, where the "Shusha Initiative" was adopted, which marks a commitment to ongoing collaboration among the Turkic States.
The Forum represents a significant step forward in enhancing regional cooperation and leveraging advanced technologies for financial intelligence among OTS Member States and Observers.
