Minister of Labor and Social Security Prof. Dr. Vedat IŞIKHAN Met with Turkish-Azerbaijani Business Leaders in Baku

During his visit to Azerbaijan for the 1st Meeting of the Ministers of Labor, Employment, and Social Protection of the Organization of Turkic States, Prof. Dr. Vedat IŞIKHAN met with the Turkish-Azerbaijani business leaders in Baku and held a speech.

Stating that relations between Türkiye and Azerbaijan have a special quality nourished by a shared culture, history, and values, Minister IŞIKHAN continued: "This close cooperation, shaped within the framework of the concept of ‘one nation, two states,’ strengthens not only political ties but also the sincere and strong bonds between our nations. As a natural reflection of this solid foundation, our economic and trade relations constitute one of the most vibrant and strategic dimensions of our bilateral relations. Our economic relations with brotherly Azerbaijan are at a highly satisfactory level. In 2024, our bilateral trade volume with Azerbaijan reached $7.9 billion. Currently, Türkiye's direct investments in Azerbaijan exceed $17 billion, while Azerbaijan's direct investments in Türkiye exceed $21 billion. I believe that with the initiatives, investments, and support of our valuable businesspeople, we will achieve the $15 billion bilateral trade volume target set by our esteemed Presidents in the shortest possible time."

SGK Applications Can Now Be Made Through Consulates

Reminding President ERDOĞAN's sensitivity towards addressing the demands and needs of Turkish citizens living abroad, Minister IŞIKHAN emphasized, "We make every effort to ensure that not only our citizens within the borders of our country, but also those who have gone abroad for work purposes are never left behind, and we pay close attention to preserving their rights and interests. We serve our approximately 8 million citizens abroad through our 57 Labor and Social Security Advisory Offices and Attaché Offices operating within our embassies and consulates in 29 countries.  In Azerbaijan, our citizens are employed in major mutual projects.  Therefore, our ministry also has significant responsibilities within this framework. We remain committed to increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of the services we provide. In this context, we have developed an information system that can be used by Labor and Social Security Consultancies and Attachés. We have been using this system since 2019. This has enabled our citizens living abroad to digitally complete many procedures and applications related to labor and social security. Furthermore, in July, we implemented a regulation in the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye. Through this regulation, we have also made it possible for applications to the Social Security Institution to be accepted through Labor and Social Security Consultancies and Attachés. We aim to implement this practice as soon as possible to make your work both faster and easier."

“Our Relations with Azerbaijan Are Deep-rooted and Strong”

Emphasizing that the Ministry has strong and long-standing relations with Azerbaijan's Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, Minister IŞIKHAN said, "We are committed to working together in ways that benefit our countries and our people. I would also like to state that, as two ministers, we are striving to fulfill our respective duties in a mutually beneficial manner to effectively implement the Social Security Agreement and the Labor Agreement in force between our countries. I would like to inform you that we will take note of the issues and suggestions you bring up today and take the necessary action to resolve them."

“We Stand by Our Citizens Everywhere Around the World”

Minister IŞIKHAN emphasized that Türkiye will continue to stand by all its citizens wherever they are in the world and support them, he also added: "As the Republic of Turkiye, we want to assure our citizens that our support will continue to grow as you struggle with the difficulties you face. We are proud of you and the success you have achieved in almost every area of life. Through the various business circles to which you belong, you are carrying out extremely important activities and representing our country in the best possible way in Azerbaijan. On behalf of the Ministry, I would like to express that we are ready to provide the necessary support in any matter you may need.  I believe that in order to be a strong society, we must never lose our spirit of unity and solidarity. May God keep our unity and solidarity everlasting. We are ready to assist you in solving any problems, and to provide all the necessary support you need."

During his visit, Minister IŞIKHAN also held bilateral meetings with Azerbaijan's Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, Mr. Anar Aliyev, the Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, Mr. Kubaniçbek Ömüraliyev, and the Minister of Labor and Social Security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Mr. Oğuzhan Hasipoğlu, to discuss areas of cooperation and development in the fields of working life and social security.