At the 13th summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called for greater unity and economic cooperation among Turkic nations, emphasizing their shared cultural heritage and strategic interests. The summit, themed “Turkic Century: Unity in Language, Thought and Action,” gathered leaders and representatives from member and observer states, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Erdoğan highlighted the historical and cultural ties as a foundation for closer political, economic, and diplomatic cooperation, announcing Türkiye’s assumption of the OTS rotating chairmanship from Azerbaijan. He stressed priorities such as promoting a common language, expanding cultural exchanges, facilitating travel, and enhancing women’s societal participation. Erdoğan also reaffirmed support for Northern Cyprus and Turkmenistan’s eventual full membership in the organization.
Addressing regional issues, Erdoğan urged continued efforts for lasting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, diplomatic resolutions to Iran-related tensions, increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, and support for an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. Economic connectivity was a major focus, with Erdoğan advocating for strengthened transport, trade, and energy cooperation through strategic routes like the Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor.
In addition to economic initiatives, Erdoğan called for collaboration in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital trade, proposing a joint satellite project and a shared digital commerce platform. Other leaders at the summit echoed these sentiments, with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev suggesting 100 strategic joint investment projects, while Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for expanding the organization’s international profile.
Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the need for cooperation in energy, transport, agriculture, and communications, and Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov praised Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov stressed the importance of peace with Armenia and stronger regional transport and energy links. Northern Cyprus President Tufan Erhürman advocated for lifting restrictions on Turkish Cypriots’ participation in international activities and reaffirmed commitment to a fair settlement in cooperation with Türkiye.
The summit concluded with a joint declaration reinforcing commitments to enhanced cooperation and regional partnerships. Erdoğan expressed gratitude to outgoing OTS Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliev and welcomed incoming Secretary-General Mirvahid Azimov.