President Ilham Aliyev’s personal commitment to idea of Turkic unity provides solid foundation for further consolidation of co

[ad_1] BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 27. President Ilham Aliyev’s private dedication to thought of Turkic unity gives stable basis for additional consolidation of cooperation, Secretary Basic of the Group of Turkic States (OTS) Kubanychbek Omuraliyev stated in an unique interview with Development.

He highlighted excessive expectations from Azerbaijan's OTS chairmanship.

"With the conclusion of the Gabala Summit, the Chairmanship of the OTS formally handed from Kyrgyzstan to Azerbaijan, marking a new chapter for the Group. Expectations are excessive, reflecting Azerbaijan’s strategic location, political management, and financial capability, which uniquely place it to information the OTS towards deeper cooperation, growth, and worldwide visibility. As steered by the very theme of the Summit, Azerbaijan’s Chairmanship is anticipated to put specific emphasis on safety and stability within the area," stated Omuraliyev.

The OTS secretary normal identified that the liberation of Azerbaijani territories and the latest Washington Agreements with Armenia have laid the groundwork for lasting peace within the South Caucasus.

"Lately, safety cooperation has turn into a key precedence for the OTS, pushed by international and regional challenges, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and evolving safety developments inside Member States. The Turkic World Imaginative and prescient 2040 and OTS Technique 2022–2026 spotlight the significance of nearer collaboration on political and safety issues. To assist these goals, the OTS has established key mechanisms reminiscent of common multilateral political deliberations within the type of conferences of the Heads of Authorities/Vice President, International Ministers, Assistants/Advisors to the Presidents in International Coverage, and the Deputy Ministers for session and coordination in case of rising points that may have an effect on the frequent pursuits and considerations of the OTS international locations to type a consolidated OTS place with a shared strategic imaginative and prescient," he stated.

Omuraliyev famous that equally, conferences among the many Nationwide Safety Councils, Defence Business Establishments, and the Particular Providers have been recurrently convened to permit the Member States maintain consultations on the regional and international safety developments to plan insurance policies of the OTS international locations to the safety sensitivities going down of their environment.

"On this vein, the need of the Turkic States to strengthen their present safety cooperation and coordination was mirrored within the Gabala Declaration. The speeches of the Heads of State on the Summit additionally underscored the dedication of the Turkic international locations to regulate to the brand new worldwide safety setting with a collective stance. The Leaders emphasised the urgency of coordinated motion to handle rising threats to peace and safety, together with humanitarian crises, and recognizing the necessity for enhanced strategic foresight and joint initiatives.

President Ilham Aliyev’s comment on the significance of unification of the Turkic States as a single centre of energy and consolidation of cooperation amongst them in army and defence-technical fields at a time when the norms and rules of worldwide legislation are being gravely violated is poised to information the long run course of motion within the Group particularly throughout their chairmanship. His proposal on holding joint army workouts for the OTS Member States in Azerbaijan in 2026 is a testomony to this reality," the OTS secretary normal stated.

Omuraliyev famous that constructing upon the outcomes of the inaugural assembly of the Heads of Defence Business Establishments of the OTS Member States held on 23 July 2025 in Istanbul, the Azerbaijani chairmanship will host the 2nd version of the Defence Business Establishments assembly in Baku in 2026 with the aim of intensifying cooperation within the very subject. Moreover, as he stated, the fifth Assembly of the Secretaries of the Safety Councils of the OTS Member States can be convened in Azerbaijan in 2026.

"Uzbekistan’s proposal of holding common joint conferences of International Ministers and Heads of Particular Providers of the OTS to conduct an in-depth evaluation of the worldwide state of affairs and make the mandatory choices in addition to Kyrgyzstan’s initiative to develop and Settlement on a mechanism for joint motion to handle new safety challenges and threats to extend the effectiveness of cooperation amongst our competent authorities in combating terrorism, extremism, transnational crime, cyber threats and different present dangers are new daring steps to construct up an OTS safety ecosystem.

We additionally anticipate that in Azerbaijan’s chairmanship, particular focus can be positioned on increasing cooperation in key areas reminiscent of the financial system, transport, vitality, and lots of extra. Constructing on this basis, Azerbaijan’s Chairmanship will, all through 2026, oversee a collection of initiatives geared toward deepening ties amongst member states and fostering broader cooperation past the Turkic world. The sturdy political will of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and his private dedication to the concept of Turkic unity, gives a stable basis for additional consolidation," the OTS secretary normal stated.

Omuraliyev recalled that talking in regards to the OTS throughout his inauguration on 14 February 2024, President Ilham Aliyev underlined: “That is the principle worldwide group for us, as a result of it's our household. Now we have no different household. Our household is the Turkic world."

"His phrases vividly mirror Azerbaijan’s dedication to strengthen the OTS and elevate it as an influential drive on the world stage. In that respect, Azerbaijan will see a flagship initiative throughout its chairmanship. With a purpose to duly have fun the one hundredth anniversary of the Baku Turkology Congress of 1926 and one in all its landmark choices – the adoption of a typical Latin-based alphabet for the Turkic languages, which was a momentous milestone within the cultural historical past of the Turkic peoples, a grandiose celebration can be solemnly organized in coordination with the Turkic States and the Turkic Cooperation Organizations inside the framework of the OTS," he added.

Key takeaways from the Gabala summit

Omuraliyev famous that the twelfth OTS Summit in Gabala, held underneath the theme “Regional Peace and Safety,” got here at a pivotal second, notably following Azerbaijan’s restoration of sovereignty and territorial integrity and the initialing of the peace settlement with Armenia.

"These milestones open a brand new chapter for stability and prosperity within the South Caucasus and create a singular alternative to translate regional stability into concrete collaborative initiatives, which the OTS is well-positioned to facilitate. The Gabala Summit produced two main outcomes. The Gabala Declaration established a transparent roadmap of 121 factors masking political affairs, international coverage, safety, financial and sectoral growth, people-to-people ties, institutional coordination, and engagement with exterior companions. As well as, the Heads of State launched of the “OTS+” format – a versatile framework that may develop dialogue with exterior companions, strengthening the Turkic World’s worldwide engagement.

This initiative enhances our shared aspiration of the OTS for observer standing on the United Nations and the Group of Islamic Cooperation, marking one other step towards deeper international presence. The Gabala Declaration highlights the acceleration of financial, connectivity, and technological initiatives, together with key tasks such because the Zangazur and Center Corridors, the Turkic Funding Fund, and the deliberate 12U OTS-SAT Dice Satellite tv for pc," stated the OTS secretary normal.

On the similar time, he famous that the negotiations on the Settlement on Providers and Funding Facilitation will proceed, additional deepening financial integration.

"The Leaders agreed to speed up work on the Treaty on Strategic Partnership, Everlasting Friendship and Brotherhood of Turkic States, which is able to institutionalize our political cooperation and reinforce collective duty for regional peace. Institutional and cultural cooperation was additional strengthened. Turkmenistan turned an Observer in each the Turkic Academy and the Turkic Tradition and Heritage Basis, whereas measures to additional develop and strengthen TURKSOY had been endorsed, increasing engagement and reinforcing the cultural and institutional bonds of the Turkic world.

Total, the Summit not solely mirrored our achievements but in addition set a forward-looking, proactive agenda. With the sturdy dedication of our Heads of State, the OTS now coordinates multilateral cooperation in over 40 areas, starting from financial integration and safety to schooling and even area, demonstrating each the deepening convergence of our Member States and the rising worldwide recognition of the Group," he added.

Turkic cooperation as a driver of the Center Hall’s success

Omuraliyev identified that inside the Turkic World Imaginative and prescient 2040, the event of the Center Hall is outlined as a strategic precedence — the shortest and most secure route connecting East and West, and a key driver for integrating Turkic international locations into international logistics networks.

"On this context, the Center Hall stands as a cornerstone of regional integration and financial cooperation. It shortens transit distances by 2,000 kilometers in comparison with the Northern Hall and permits items to achieve Europe from China in simply 15 days — three instances quicker than by sea. Realizing the complete potential of this route requires shut coordination amongst Turkic states. By joint infrastructure tasks — such because the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, a serious part of the hall — member states are considerably enhancing transit effectivity and increasing capability to fifteen million tons yearly. Equally very important to the success of the Center Hall is the modernization of customs and logistics processes," he stated.

The OTS secretary normal famous that Azerbaijan and different member states have been efficiently implementing programs reminiscent of ePermit (digital transport permits), eCMR (digital consignment notes), and eTIR (digital customs transit system), making worldwide shipments quicker, easier, and extra clear.

"The signing of a regional roadmap for full eTIR implementation on the OTS Heads of Customs Assembly in Baku in January 2025 marked a serious milestone on this course of, paving the best way for extra environment friendly and safe commerce flows throughout the area. Mixed with agreements from the 2022 Samarkand Summit on simplified customs corridors and worldwide freight transport, these efforts are strengthening the Center Hall, making the Turkic states a mannequin of regional connectivity, effectivity, and resilience," he added.

The function of TRIPP (Zangazur Hall) in bridging the Turkic World

Omuraliyev believes that the implementation of the Zangazur Hall has the potential to turn into a game-changer for regional connectivity.

"By establishing a 43- kilometer transit hyperlink between mainland Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan area, this route will create a direct land connection throughout the South Caucasus, linking Central Asia with Türkiye and additional to European and international markets," he stated.

The OTS secretary normal famous that past its financial and logistical impression, the TRIPP holds profound geopolitical significance.

"It symbolizes the opening of a brand new chapter within the South Caucasus, following the signing of the Joint Declaration and the initialing of the Peace Settlement between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington in August 2025 — a historic step towards lasting peace, stability, and prosperity within the area. As soon as operational, the hall will function a significant complement to the Center Hall initiative promoted by the OTS. This can improve commerce effectivity, cut back transit instances, and strengthen logistics cooperation throughout the Turkic area," he defined.

The Group of Turkic States as a strategic actor in a altering international order

Omuraliyev famous that on this evolving panorama, the OTS positions itself as a dynamic and forward-looking platform that bridges areas, connects economies, and promotes stability throughout an enormous geographic area — from Central Asia and the Caucasus to Anatolia and past.

"Guided by the Turkic World Imaginative and prescient 2040, the Group will proceed to evolve from a regional cooperation framework right into a strategic bridge between continents, contributing to peace, stability, and shared prosperity throughout Eurasia and past. We see that the international locations in our Group have nice potential, which offers us distinctive alternatives to coordinate efforts and deal with international challenges collectively. Our international locations are already beginning to take frequent positions on key points. This course of will solely develop stronger, permitting us to current a extra united entrance on essential international points sooner or later," he added.

Fostering Turkic Unity by way of financial and vitality collaboration

The secretary normal identified that the OTS continues to make vital strides in strengthening financial and vitality cooperation amongst its member states.

"Our area, strategically positioned on the crossroads of East and West, North and South, with a inhabitants of round 170 million folks and masking 4.5 million sq. kilometers, affords huge alternatives for enhanced commerce and financial collaboration. In 2024, the mixed GDP exceeded $2.1 trillion, with commerce volumes reaching $1.1 trillion. Nevertheless, intra-OTS commerce stays modest at round 7% of complete commerce between member states—up from simply 3% a few years in the past, highlighting vital room for development. Azerbaijan has actively strengthened financial ties inside the OTS framework.

In 2024 alone, its commerce with member states reached almost $7 billion, accounting for 14.5% of its complete international commerce, with Türkiye and Kazakhstan as its main companions. Within the first seven months of 2025, commerce already totaled $4.41 billion. Key mechanisms supporting these efforts embody the Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Business, which unites over 2 million corporations and fosters sensible cooperation amongst entrepreneurs," stated Omuraliyev.

He identified that equally essential is the Turkic Funding Fund, initiated by President Ilham Aliyev, which has grown from an preliminary $500 million to $600 million with Hungary’s participation.

"This fund helps mutual investments, stimulates innovation, and develops entrepreneurship, notably for SMEs. Direct Azerbaijani investments in OTS member states have already exceeded $20 billion, offering a stable basis for joint tasks and deeper financial integration. Lastly, the OTS has taken essential steps towards digital transformation. On the eleventh Summit in Bishkek, a Partnership Settlement on the Digital Economic system was signed, representing a serious milestone towards seamless digital commerce and regional financial modernization. Power stays a key precedence, as collectively the Turkic international locations rank among the many prime three international vitality suppliers. Joint tasks not solely improve vitality safety but in addition present a platform for the inexperienced transition. A notable instance is the strategic partnership in renewable vitality between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, which goals to create a “Inexperienced Power Bridge” alongside the Center Hall," Omuraliyev added.

As well as, because the OTS secretary normal famous, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Hungary, and Romania are advancing vitality cooperation by way of the “Inexperienced Hall” initiative.

"At its core is an undersea high-voltage cable throughout the Black Sea, connecting the South Caucasus to the EU’s vitality system. This mission is designed to transmit a number of gigawatts of primarily wind and photo voltaic vitality—from Azerbaijan and Georgia—to Romania, with subsequent integration into Hungary and the broader European community.

Azerbaijan’s wind vitality potential is especially spectacular, estimated at 157 GW—far exceeding home wants and opening alternatives for clear vitality exports to Europe. In 2024, throughout COP29 in Baku, SOCAR signed a memorandum of understanding with ACWA Energy (Saudi Arabia) and Masdar (UAE) to develop roughly 3.5 GW of offshore wind tasks. Collectively, these initiatives underscore the Turkic world’s dedication to strengthening vitality safety, selling sustainable growth, and enhancing financial integration, with Azerbaijan enjoying a central and proactive function in driving these efforts ahead," he stated.

Past economics and vitality: New initiatives of the Group of Turkic States

Omuraliyev famous that past these core areas, the OTS has made outstanding progress in schooling, tourism, sports activities, tradition, and worldwide collaboration.

"In tourism, initiatives such because the Turkic Silk Highway, Tabarruk Ziyarat, and the Turkic World Tourism Capital program have efficiently promoted our shared heritage. Jalal-Abad, Kyrgyzstan, was designated because the 2025 Turkic World Tourism Capital and hosted a serious Worldwide Tourism Discussion board that showcased regional sights and strengthened partnerships. Following this, Ankara has been named the Turkic World Tourism Capital for 2026, and we look ahead to the initiatives that may spotlight the town’s wealthy cultural heritage and additional promote tourism throughout the Turkic World.

Winter tourism has additionally gained momentum with the Turkic Ski Cup in Uzbekistan and the Turkic Ski Resorts Summit in Shahdag, Azerbaijan. Tasks just like the Unified Ski Cross, Frequent Museum Ticket, and Turk ID are simplifying journey throughout member states. Youth engagement and sports activities initiatives are flourishing. Key highlights embody the III Turkic Universiade in Cholpon-Ata, the launch of Almaty’s Youth Middle of the Turkic World, the Third Diaspora Youth Discussion board in Tashkent, and humanitarian initiatives such because the Sports activities Volunteers Discussion board in Gabala and the Turkic Pink Community Volunteer Camp in Istanbul", he stated.

Noting that schooling stays central to integration efforts, the OTS secretary normal recalled that on the latest Summit, the Leaders agreed to determine a Secretariat for Schooling Initiatives, reorganize the Orkhun Alternate Program, and advance the creation of the Turkic World Larger Schooling Space.

"Constructing on this progress, a key milestone was achieved on the eighth Basic Meeting of TURKUNIB, held in Tashkent on 15 October 2025, which concluded with the adoption of an idea paper on a Everlasting Secretariat and Program Fund for the Union of Turkic Universities (TURKUNIB) and the Orkhun Alternate Program. The Meeting additionally welcomed 62 new universities, bringing complete membership to 109 establishments. Consistent with the Gabala Declaration, the OTS allotted USD 1 million to assist the enlargement of the Orkhun Alternate Program and the institution of the Turkic World Larger Schooling Space. Hungary’s annual EUR 1 million contribution to the Scientific Analysis, Improvement, and Innovation Fund will additional strengthen educational collaboration throughout the Turkic world," he famous.

Omuraliyev additional identified that cultural initiatives proceed to enrich the group's instructional efforts.

Omuraliyev believes that Turkish President Erdogan’s proposal at the Gabala Summit to take steps towards a Frequent Turkic Alphabet resonates strongly with OTS mission of cultural unity, particularly as we strategy the one hundredth anniversary of the 1926 Baku Turkology Congress, which first launched the concept of a typical Latin-based alphabet for Turkic languages.

"Upcoming occasions — together with the Third Cultural Discussion board of the Turkic World in 2027, the celebration of Mahmud Kashgari’s 950th anniversary, Kyrgyzstan’s internet hosting of the sixth World Nomad Video games, and Turkmenistan’s invitation to Ashgabat’s cultural jubilee — reaffirm our dedication to preserving heritage, identification, and intercultural collaboration. On the worldwide entrance, the OTS has expanded dialogue with main international and regional organizations, together with UN companies (UNHabitat, WHO, FAO, UNIDO), in addition to the OSCE, GCC, OIC, ECO, ASEAN, OECD, and the African Union. Notable agreements embody an MoU with UN-Habitat on sustainable city growth and a Joint Declaration with UNIDO on clear vitality and inexperienced development," he added.

Omuraliyev famous that the group's 2024– 2025 Motion Plan with WHO focuses on well being safety, emergency preparedness, and regional well-being.

"In public diplomacy, in 2024 the OTS efficiently organized “Turkic Week” on the UN Workplace in Geneva, showcasing Turkic cooperation on the worldwide stage. Following its success, preparations at the moment are underway for the second version of Turkic Week in Vienna in 2025, additional reinforcing the OTS’s function as a dynamic and outward-looking worldwide actor," he stated.

The OTS secretary normal believes {that a} spotlight of this yr was the “Cleantech Days 2025” in Istanbul, co-organized with UNIDO and TÜBİTAK, bringing collectively governments and innovators to promote clear applied sciences and assist SMEs.

"This occasion reaffirmed the OTS’s function not solely as a regional group however as a contributor to international sustainability options. As we glance forward, the Group of Turkic States stays steadfast in its mission to advance unity, peace and prosperity inside the Turkic World. Beneath the Azerbaijani Chairmanship, we are going to work to appreciate the priorities set forth at the Gabala Summit — strengthening regional safety, increasing financial and transport connectivity, advancing vitality cooperation, and selling cultural and humanitarian ties. Guided by the Turkic World Imaginative and prescient 2040 and the strategic instructions of our Heads of State, the OTS will proceed deepening cooperation in each subject. Our collective achievements show that when the Turkic States act collectively, we not solely strengthen our area but in addition contribute meaningfully to international stability and development," he concluded.