At the 13th summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan urged for enhanced unity and economic cooperation among Turkic nations. Emphasizing shared cultural heritage and strategic interests, Erdoğan highlighted the importance of historical and cultural ties as the basis for deeper political, economic, and diplomatic collaboration.
Erdoğan announced that Türkiye has taken over the OTS rotating chairmanship from Azerbaijan, committing to transform existing agreements into tangible outcomes. His agenda includes promoting a common language, boosting cultural and sporting exchanges, facilitating travel, and strengthening women’s roles in society. The summit, themed “Turkic Century: Unity in Language, Thought and Action,” attracted leaders from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and representatives from Azerbaijan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Economic connectivity was a key focus, with Erdoğan promoting the Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor as a vital link between Asia and Europe. He urged for increased cooperation in transport, trade, and energy to bolster the economic influence of the Turkic world. Additionally, he called for collaboration in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital trade, including initiatives for a joint satellite project and a shared digital commerce platform.
Other leaders contributed their proposals, with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev suggesting the launch of 100 strategic joint investment and industrial projects. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev advocated for strengthening the organization’s international presence and expanding partnerships. Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized cooperation in energy, transport, agriculture, manufacturing, and communications, while Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov praised Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts.
Addressing regional issues, Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye’s support for a peaceful resolution between Azerbaijan and Armenia and called for diplomatic solutions regarding tensions with Iran. He also emphasized increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza and supporting its reconstruction, reaffirming Türkiye’s backing for an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The summit concluded with a joint declaration committing to closer cooperation and stronger regional partnerships. Erdoğan expressed gratitude to outgoing OTS Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliev and welcomed the incoming Secretary-General Mirvahid Azimov, marking the event as a step toward solidifying unity and cooperation among Turkic states.