13th Summit of Turkic States Opens in Ankara
ANKARA – The 13th Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) opened in Ankara on Friday under the theme “Turkic Century: Unity in Language, Thought and Deed.”
Hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Beştepe National Exhibition Hall, the summit brought together Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Azerbaijan was represented by Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov.
The opening ceremony featured a family photograph, while soldiers carrying the flags of 16 historical Turkic states and personnel dressed in traditional Janissary uniforms welcomed the visiting delegations.
Erdoğan Calls for Digital and Strategic Cooperation
President Erdoğan emphasized the importance of translating Turkic solidarity into concrete achievements. He called for stronger cooperation in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, space technology and digital trade.
He proposed developing a common digital trade platform and a shared Turkic large language model covering the Oghuz, Kipchak and Karluk language groups. He also stressed the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor and supported lasting peace in the South Caucasus.
Türkiye assumed the OTS chairmanship from Azerbaijan during the summit.
Tokayev Highlights Trade Growth and Regional Connectivity
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed the importance of economic integration and respect for the sovereignty and national interests of member states.
He announced that Kazakhstan’s trade with OTS member countries had approached $10 billion, representing a 40% increase compared with the previous year.
Tokayev also highlighted the importance of the Middle Corridor and called for accelerating the preservation of Turkic civilization’s shared heritage.
One of his notable proposals was inviting Russia to participate in the OTS+ format or as an observer, arguing that this could strengthen the organization’s international standing. He also reiterated that the OTS should not become a military alliance.
Berdimuhamedov Calls for Stronger Economic Cooperation
In his address, Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the economic potential of Turkic countries and called for deeper cooperation in energy, transportation, industry, agriculture, communications and other strategic sectors.
He highlighted the importance of developing the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor and announced Turkmenistan’s readiness to offer the infrastructure of the International Seaport of Turkmenbashi for joint regional logistics initiatives.
Berdimuhamedov further stressed the importance of protecting shared cultural heritage, supporting younger generations, addressing climate change and strengthening cooperation between the OTS and the United Nations.
The Ankara summit reflects the growing ambition of Turkic countries to strengthen economic integration, regional connectivity and international cooperation.
With its focus on practical investment projects, transportation networks and cultural solidarity, the meeting seeks to translate the historical and linguistic bonds of Turkic nations into concrete achievements.
The theme “Turkic Century: Unity in Language, Thought and Deed” underlines the shared ambition to build a stronger, more connected and influential Turkic world.
Mirziyoyev Presents the Turkic World-100 Initiative
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev called for deeper technological and industrial cooperation, proposing the “Turkic World-100” programme, which would encompass 100 joint investment and industrial projects.
He identified strategic minerals, green energy equipment and high-value manufacturing as priority sectors.
Other proposals included establishing an OTS+ cooperation format, creating a Turkic Tourism Alliance, developing joint logistics hubs and simplifying cross-border travel.
Mirziyoyev also proposed offering 200 annual educational scholarships to students from Turkic countries and compiling a common dictionary of Turkic words.
Japarov Emphasizes Türkiye’s International Role
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov praised Türkiye’s growing international reputation under Erdoğan’s leadership, pointing to the country’s political, economic, military and technological achievements.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening regional transport connections, particularly linking the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway with the Middle Corridor.
The summit concluded with the adoption of the Ankara Declaration, while Türkiye assumed the organization’s rotating chairmanship and Uzbekistan was selected to host the next summit in 2027. The appointment of Mirvokhid Azimov as Secretary-General and the next summit in Uzbekistan in 2027 are confirmed by the Uzbek Presidency.
Derya Soysal
Contributing writer at EUReflect.
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