At the 13th summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation among Turkic nations, underscoring their shared cultural heritage and strategic interests. Addressing the Council of Heads of State, Erdoğan pointed out that historical and cultural ties should form the basis for stronger political, economic, and diplomatic collaboration. The summit, themed “Turkic Century: Unity in Language, Thought and Action,” drew leaders and representatives from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
During the summit, Erdoğan announced Türkiye’s assumption of the OTS rotating chairmanship from Azerbaijan, with a commitment to transforming existing agreements into tangible achievements. His agenda includes promoting a common language, enhancing cultural and sporting exchanges, easing travel, and boosting women’s societal participation. Erdoğan also reiterated support for Northern Cyprus and advocated for Turkmenistan’s full membership in the organization.
Addressing regional concerns, Erdoğan urged ongoing efforts towards a lasting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia and called for diplomatic resolutions to tensions involving Iran. He stressed the need to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza and support its reconstruction, reaffirming Türkiye’s backing for an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Economic connectivity was highlighted as a key focus, with Erdoğan promoting the Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor as a vital route linking Asia and Europe. He advocated for enhanced transport, trade, and energy cooperation to bolster the economic influence of Turkic nations. Additionally, Erdoğan proposed collaboration in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital trade, including a joint satellite project and a shared digital commerce platform.
Other summit participants echoed these themes, with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposing 100 strategic joint investment and industrial projects, and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev calling for the strengthening of the organization’s international profile. Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov highlighted the need for cooperation in energy, transport, agriculture, manufacturing, and communications.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized peace with Armenia and the importance of regional transport and energy links, while Northern Cyprus President Tufan Erhürman called for lifting restrictions on Turkish Cypriots’ international participation. The summit concluded with a joint declaration reinforcing commitments to closer cooperation and regional partnerships, as Erdoğan thanked outgoing OTS Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliev and welcomed his successor, Mirvahid Azimov.