Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has urged for enhanced unity and economic cooperation among Turkic nations, emphasizing their shared cultural heritage and strategic interests at the 13th summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Ankara. Speaking at the Council of Heads of State, Erdoğan highlighted the importance of historical and cultural ties as a foundation for closer political, economic, and diplomatic collaboration.
The summit, operating under the theme “Turkic Century: Unity in Language, Thought and Action,” brought together leaders from member and observer states, including the presidents of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan, as well as representatives from Azerbaijan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Türkiye has taken over the OTS rotating chairmanship from Azerbaijan, with Erdoğan committing to transform existing agreements into practical achievements, focusing on common language promotion, cultural exchanges, travel facilitation, and women’s participation in society.
Erdoğan also addressed regional issues, calling for continued peace efforts between Azerbaijan and Armenia, diplomatic solutions to tensions involving Iran, and increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza. He reiterated Türkiye’s support for an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Furthermore, economic connectivity was highlighted as a major focus, with Erdoğan promoting the Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor as a strategic route linking Asia and Europe.
The summit also saw discussions on greater collaboration in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital trade, with proposals for a joint satellite project and a shared digital commerce platform. Leaders from other countries proposed expanding investment, industrial partnerships, and technological cooperation. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev suggested launching 100 strategic joint projects, while Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for strengthening the organization’s international profile.
Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the need for cooperation in energy, transport, agriculture, manufacturing, and communications. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov acknowledged Türkiye’s diplomatic initiatives and growing international role. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov stressed the importance of peace with Armenia and stronger regional transport and energy links, noting plans for defense industry cooperation with Türkiye.
Northern Cyprus President Tufan Erhürman advocated for ending restrictions on Turkish Cypriots’ international participation and reaffirmed his commitment to a fair settlement in cooperation with Türkiye. The summit concluded with a joint declaration reaffirming commitments to closer cooperation and stronger regional partnerships. Erdoğan also expressed gratitude to the outgoing OTS Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliev and welcomed incoming Secretary-General Mirvahid Azimov.