At the 13th summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called for heightened unity and cooperation among Turkic nations, emphasizing their shared cultural heritage and strategic interests. Held under the theme “Turkic Century: Unity in Language, Thought and Action,” the summit gathered leaders and representatives from member and observer states, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
In his address at the Presidential Complex, Erdoğan highlighted historical and cultural ties as a basis for enhancing political, economic, and diplomatic collaboration. Türkiye assumed the OTS rotating chairmanship from Azerbaijan, with Erdoğan pledging to transform existing cooperation agreements into tangible achievements. His priorities include promoting a common language, expanding cultural and sporting exchanges, facilitating travel, and strengthening women’s participation in society. He also expressed support for closer ties with Northern Cyprus and advocated for Turkmenistan’s full membership in the organization.
Erdoğan stressed the importance of resolving regional tensions, advocating for lasting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and proposing diplomatic solutions to conflicts involving Iran. He underscored the need for increased humanitarian assistance to Gaza and support for its reconstruction, reiterating Türkiye’s backing for an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Economic connectivity was another focal point, with Erdoğan highlighting the Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor as a strategic route linking Asia and Europe. He called for enhanced cooperation in transport, trade, and energy to amplify the economic influence of the Turkic world. Additionally, he urged collaboration in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital trade, proposing initiatives like a joint satellite project and a shared digital commerce platform.
Other leaders at the summit echoed similar sentiments. Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev suggested launching 100 strategic joint investment and industrial projects, while Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev advocated for raising the organization’s international profile. Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized cooperation in energy, transport, agriculture, manufacturing, and communications. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov lauded Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts and its increasing global role.
Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized the significance of regional peace and stronger transport and energy links, such as the Middle Corridor and Zangezur Corridor. Meanwhile, Northern Cyprus President Tufan Erhürman called for lifting restrictions affecting Turkish Cypriots and committed to pursuing a fair settlement with Türkiye’s help.
The summit concluded with the signing of a joint declaration, reaffirming commitments to closer collaboration and stronger regional partnerships. Erdoğan also acknowledged outgoing OTS Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliev and welcomed incoming Secretary-General Mirvahid Azimov.