At the 13th summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the need for enhanced unity and cooperation among Turkic nations, drawing on their shared cultural heritage and strategic interests. Addressing leaders from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Erdoğan underscored that historical and cultural ties should underpin stronger political, economic, and diplomatic collaboration.
Türkiye assumed the OTS rotating chairmanship from Azerbaijan during the summit, with Erdoğan pledging to convert existing cooperation agreements into tangible achievements. His agenda includes promoting a shared language, expanding cultural and sporting exchanges, facilitating travel, and bolstering women’s societal participation. He also reaffirmed Türkiye’s backing for Northern Cyprus and supported Turkmenistan’s prospective full membership in the organization.
Erdoğan called for sustained efforts to secure lasting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia and advocated diplomatic solutions to regional tensions involving Iran. He highlighted the importance of increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza and endorsed the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Economic connectivity was a major theme of the summit, with Erdoğan spotlighting the Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor as a pivotal route linking Asia and Europe. He advocated for stronger transport, trade, and energy cooperation to enhance the Turkic world’s economic influence. Additionally, Erdoğan urged collaborative efforts in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital trade, including a joint satellite project and a shared digital commerce platform.
Other leaders contributed their visions for expanding investment, industrial partnerships, and technological cooperation. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed launching 100 strategic joint projects across Turkic countries, while Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized strengthening the organization’s international standing and extending cooperation with external partners.
Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov focused on developing cooperation in sectors such as energy, transport, agriculture, and communications. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov commended Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts and its increasing global role. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov stressed the significance of peace with Armenia and proposed enhanced regional transport and energy links.
The summit concluded with a joint declaration reinforcing commitments to closer cooperation and robust regional partnerships. Erdoğan expressed gratitude to outgoing OTS Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliev and welcomed incoming Secretary-General Mirvahid Azimov.