At the 13th summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called for strengthened unity and economic cooperation among Turkic nations. Emphasizing shared cultural heritage and strategic interests, Erdoğan addressed the Council of Heads of State, advocating for historical and cultural ties to form the foundation of enhanced political, economic, and diplomatic collaboration.
The summit, themed “Turkic Century: Unity in Language, Thought and Action,” saw participation from leaders and representatives of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Erdoğan announced Türkiye’s assumption of the OTS rotating chairmanship from Azerbaijan, committing to transform existing agreements into tangible outcomes. His agenda includes promoting a common language, increasing cultural and sports exchanges, easing travel, and bolstering women’s societal roles.
Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye’s support for Northern Cyprus’s closer cooperation and Turkmenistan’s full membership in the OTS. He highlighted regional issues, urging continued efforts for peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, diplomatic resolutions for Iran-related tensions, and increased humanitarian aid and reconstruction support for Gaza. He reaffirmed Türkiye’s backing of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Economic connectivity featured prominently, with Erdoğan underscoring the strategic importance of the Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor, enhancing transport, trade, and energy cooperation to bolster the Turkic world’s economic influence. He also advocated for collaboration in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital trade, and proposed projects like a joint satellite initiative and a common Turkic language model.
Other leaders contributed to the discussions on economic partnerships. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed launching 100 strategic joint investment projects, while Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized elevating the OTS’s international presence and collaboration with external partners. Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the importance of cooperation in energy, transport, agriculture, and communications.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov focused on regional peace and stronger transport and energy links, including the Middle Corridor and Zangezur Corridor. He also mentioned defense industry cooperation with Türkiye. Northern Cyprus President Tufan Erhürman called for lifting restrictions on Turkish Cypriots in international activities and reiterated a commitment to a fair settlement with Türkiye’s cooperation.
The summit concluded with the signing of a joint declaration to reinforce commitments 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.