The main objective of the event was to foster mutual understanding and cooperation among Turkic peoples, while also supporting their cultural heritage and language preservation. The summit highlighted key topics, including increasing trade among OTS members, establishing a Council of Central Banks, creating a free trade zone in services and investments, and advancing collaboration in the digital economy.
Azerbaijan, which has strengthened its international standing through its clear-sighted leadership, historic victory over occupying forces, and stable economy, has become a trusted partner and regional leader. These factors have attracted a growing number of states and organizations seeking cooperation with Baku. For Azerbaijan, the Organization of Turkic States is considered family, and the nation takes pride in being part of this extended community.
During his inaugural address following re-election on February 14, 2024, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that the OTS is a core international organization for Azerbaijan, describing it as “our family: we have no other family. Our family is the Turkic world.”
For Azerbaijan, collaboration with OTS member states is a priority in its foreign policy. Baku has made substantial efforts to unite fraternal nations; the agreement to establish the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States was signed in Azerbaijan in 2009. At that time, the leaders of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey signed the agreement in Nakhchivan.
Since then, cooperation within the community has flourished, and connections have grown. In November 2021, the Turkic Council transitioned into the Organization of Turkic States, with Turkmenistan and Hungary joining as observer states.
Addressing the OTS Council of Heads of State meeting, President Aliyev highlighted the 15th anniversary of the Nakhchivan Agreement, which laid the foundation for the OTS: “Over this period, our organization has experienced significant development.”
Noting that the Karabakh Declaration, signed in July during an informal summit in the city of Shusha, contributes to further deepening cooperation, Aliyev stated, “Azerbaijan will continue to work to strengthen the Organization of Turkic States.”
Today, the Turkic world encompasses a vast region. OTS member states are positioned along the transport route known as the Middle Corridor, where Azerbaijan, at the intersection of East and West, plays a crucial role in terms of transit potential.
In light of recent global events, the importance of this route has risen significantly, with the volume of cargo through the Middle Corridor growing substantially.
Azerbaijan has established the necessary infrastructure to enhance the route’s efficiency. Investments by Azerbaijan have increased the annual capacity of the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway from 1 million to 5 million tons. Azerbaijan also aims to expand the Alat International Sea Trade Port’s capacity from 15 million to 25 million tons per year. Currently, Azerbaijan plans to increase rail cargo volumes to 15 million tons annually.
The OTS’s political influence is growing, and today the organization is recognized as a respected entity by many countries around the world. Through close ties with OTS member states both within the organization and bilaterally, Azerbaijan has significantly boosted prospects for the organization’s development.
It is worth noting that during the 44-day Patriotic War, Turkic states supported Azerbaijan in its just struggle, even though some OTS countries are members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).
The contributions of OTS members to the revival of Karabakh and East Zangezur are also noteworthy, with the construction of schools, development centers, training facilities, agricultural complexes, and other socially oriented projects.
Common roots, shared history, cultural and national values, and above all, mutual support in difficult times—such as during the devastating earthquake in Turkey in February 2023—not only strengthen these ties but also elevate the organization’s role, transforming it into one of the leading international organizations.
In a world marked by double standards, the unity within the Turkic world shines as a peaceful and favorable alliance. This year’s adoption of a unified Turkic alphabet further strengthens partnerships and cooperation among OTS countries. This step will help preserve the rich linguistic heritage of Turkic peoples, foster closer bonds, and aid in tackling social, economic, and humanitarian challenges together.
Alla Zeydullayeva
Translated from minval.az
