At the 13th summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the importance of enhancing unity and cooperation among Turkic nations. He urged member states to leverage their shared cultural heritage and strategic interests for stronger political, economic, and diplomatic ties. The summit’s theme, “Turkic Century: Unity in Language, Thought and Action,” underscored these objectives.
Erdoğan addressed leaders from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, announcing Türkiye’s assumption of the OTS rotating chairmanship from Azerbaijan. He committed to advancing existing cooperation agreements into tangible results, with priorities including the promotion of a common language, expansion of cultural and sporting exchanges, and enhanced women’s participation in society.
On regional matters, Erdoğan highlighted the necessity of sustaining efforts for peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia and stressed diplomatic solutions to tensions involving Iran. He also called for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza and reiterated Türkiye’s support for a sovereign Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital.
The summit placed a strong emphasis on economic connectivity, particularly via the Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor, a vital trade route linking Asia and Europe. Erdoğan advocated for greater collaboration in transport, trade, and energy sectors to bolster the Turkic world’s economic influence. He also proposed initiatives in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital commerce, including a joint satellite project and a shared digital commerce platform.
Other leaders echoed the call for economic and technological cooperation. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev suggested launching strategic joint investment projects, while Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized enhancing the organization’s international standing. Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov focused on expanding cooperation in energy, transport, and communications.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov underscored the importance of regional transport and energy links, such as the Middle and Zangezur Corridors, and mentioned defense industry cooperation plans with Türkiye. Northern Cyprus President Tufan Erhürman advocated for lifting restrictions on Turkish Cypriots’ international participation and committed to a fair settlement in collaboration with Türkiye.
The summit concluded with a joint declaration affirming commitments to enhanced cooperation and regional partnerships. Erdoğan expressed gratitude to outgoing OTS Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliev and welcomed the incoming Secretary-General Mirvahid Azimov.