Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has urged for enhanced unity and economic collaboration among Turkic nations at the 13th summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) held in Ankara. Speaking at the Presidential Complex, Erdoğan emphasized that the shared cultural heritage and strategic interests of these nations should form the basis for deeper political, economic, and diplomatic ties.
The summit, themed “Turkic Century: Unity in Language, Thought and Action,” brought together leaders 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 tangible outcomes. His focus includes promoting a common language, enhancing cultural and sporting exchanges, easing travel, and increasing women’s participation in society.
Erdoğan also reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for Northern Cyprus and advocated for Turkmenistan’s full membership in the organization. On regional matters, he called for continued efforts towards peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, diplomatic solutions to tensions with Iran, and heightened humanitarian assistance to Gaza. He reiterated Türkiye’s endorsement of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, designating East Jerusalem as its capital.
Economic connectivity featured prominently, with Erdoğan highlighting the strategic importance of the Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor, which links Asia and Europe. He advocated for stronger cooperation in transport, trade, and energy to amplify the Turkic world’s economic influence. Furthermore, collaboration in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital trade was proposed, including initiatives like a joint satellite project and a shared digital commerce platform.
Other leaders at the summit echoed these sentiments, suggesting expanded investment and industrial partnerships. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed launching 100 strategic joint projects across Turkic nations, and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for boosting the organization’s international profile. Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed the need for cooperation in energy, transport, agriculture, and communications, while Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov commended Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov underscored the necessity of peace with Armenia and the strengthening of regional transport and energy links, including the Middle Corridor and Zangezur Corridor. Northern Cyprus President Tufan Erhürman called for lifting restrictions on Turkish Cypriots’ participation in international activities and expressed commitment to a fair settlement with Türkiye’s cooperation.
The summit concluded with the signing of a joint declaration, reaffirming commitments to closer cooperation and stronger regional partnerships. Erdoğan expressed gratitude to outgoing OTS Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliev and welcomed the new Secretary-General Mirvahid Azimov.