At the 13th summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called for enhanced unity and economic cooperation among Turkic nations, emphasizing their shared cultural heritage and strategic interests. Addressing the Council of Heads of State at the Presidential Complex, Erdoğan underscored the importance of historical and cultural ties as a basis for closer political, economic, and diplomatic collaboration.
The summit, themed “Turkic Century: Unity in Language, Thought and Action,” included leaders and senior representatives from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Erdoğan announced Türkiye’s assumption of the OTS rotating chairmanship from Azerbaijan and committed to transforming existing cooperation agreements into practical achievements.
Key priorities identified by Erdoğan include promoting a common language, expanding cultural and sporting exchanges, facilitating travel, and enhancing women’s societal participation. He also expressed support for Northern Cyprus and advocated for Turkmenistan’s full membership in the organization. On regional issues, Erdoğan emphasized efforts toward lasting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, called for diplomatic resolution of tensions involving Iran, and highlighted the importance of humanitarian aid and reconstruction support for Gaza.
Economic connectivity was a major focus, with Erdoğan highlighting the significance of the Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor as a strategic link between Asia and Europe. He advocated for increased collaboration in transport, trade, and energy to bolster the Turkic world’s economic influence. Additionally, he proposed joint initiatives in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital trade, including a shared digital commerce platform and a common Turkic language model.
Other summit leaders echoed these sentiments, with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposing 100 strategic joint investment and industrial projects across Turkic countries. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for strengthening the organization’s international profile and expanding cooperation with external partners. Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the need for collaboration in energy, transport, agriculture, manufacturing, and communications, while 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. He also highlighted plans for defense industry cooperation between Azerbaijan and Türkiye. Northern Cyprus President Tufan Erhürman called for lifting restrictions on Turkish Cypriots’ international participation and reiterated a commitment to a fair resolution in cooperation with Türkiye.
The summit concluded with a joint declaration reinforcing commitments to closer cooperation and stronger regional partnerships. Erdoğan expressed gratitude to outgoing OTS Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliev and welcomed incoming Secretary-General Mirvahid Azimov.