Leaders of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) convened in the ancient Azerbaijani city of Gabala for the 12th Summit of Heads of State, where regional peace, security, and integration dominated the agenda. Member states praised the Washington Declaration signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia, describing it as a milestone for lasting peace in the South Caucasus.
Kyrgyzstan: Japarov Hails Peace Deal, Calls for Swift Collective Action
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov called the Washington Declaration “a key step toward ensuring peace and stability in the South Caucasus.” Speaking at the summit, he urged the OTS to develop rapid-response mechanisms to address emerging global and regional crises.
“Mechanisms are being developed to allow the Turkic world to respond immediately to challenges it faces,” Japarov said.
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The Kyrgyz leader highlighted Afghanistan’s humanitarian plight and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, stressing that solutions must align with international law. He also announced that Kyrgyzstan will host parliamentary elections on November 30, inviting observers from Turkic states, and confirmed preparations for the 6th World Nomad Games in 2026.
Japarov noted that Bishkek has prepared a new roadmap for economic, trade, and investment cooperation within the OTS, alongside an initiative for mutual recognition of electronic signatures to simplify digital document exchange.
Kazakhstan: Tokayev Proposes Cybersecurity Council and OTS+ Partnership
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev outlined several strategic initiatives to expand the OTS’s capabilities and global reach. Among them was a proposal to establish an OTS Cybersecurity Council to coordinate defenses against cross-border digital threats.
“Cyberattacks have become a borderless danger,” Tokayev said. “The Cybersecurity Council would help coordinate action and strengthen our collective resilience.”
Tokayev also backed the idea of an “OTS+” partnership format to engage countries showing interest in the Turkic bloc’s work, calling it “a natural expansion of our cooperation.”
Addressing environmental issues, the Kazakh leader warned that the Caspian Sea’s shrinking water level poses a major ecological and economic threat, urging joint monitoring efforts through digital technologies. He proposed the creation of a Digital Innovation Center, an Energy Efficiency Council, and advanced AI tools to modernize transport corridors.
Kazakhstan, which will chair the Turkic Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2026, plans to launch a new industrial cooperation format, Tokayev said, underscoring that 85 percent of Asia–Europe freight already passes through Kazakhstan’s territory.
Turkey: Erdoğan Calls for Turkic Language Day, Endorses Peace Efforts
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan proposed that December 15 be recognized as the World Day of the Turkic Language Family, a motion he plans to raise at the upcoming UNESCO conference in Samarkand.
“The Turkic world must express a clear and united position amid ongoing wars and regional tensions,” Erdoğan said.
He voiced support for Turkmenistan’s full membership in the OTS and welcomed the Azerbaijan–Armenia Washington Declaration as a positive step toward peace. Erdoğan urged closer cooperation among the Turkic defense industries and called for joint investments in science and technology to ensure the bloc’s competitiveness.
In a symbolic gesture, he presented fellow leaders with a special edition of Chingiz Aitmatov’s works printed in a unified Turkic alphabet and announced plans to host a Turkic World Publishers’ Congress in Ankara next year.
Uzbekistan: Mirziyoyev Praises Reconstruction and Proposes Security Dialogue
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev lauded Azerbaijan’s postwar reconstruction in Shusha, Khankendi, and Aghdam, calling the rapid progress “a source of pride for all Turkic nations.”
“The Washington Declaration is not just a bilateral accord – it strengthens the foundation of peace and stability across our region,” he said.
Mirziyoyev proposed hosting the first meeting of OTS intelligence chiefs in Samarkand in 2026, aimed at improving coordination on regional and global security issues, including concerns over Afghanistan, Gaza, and Iran’s nuclear program.
Azerbaijan: Aliyev Outlines Vision for a Stronger Turkic World
President Ilham Aliyev underscored the Organization’s growing geopolitical influence, noting that “the OTS has evolved from a cooperation platform into a major global actor.” He said Azerbaijan and Turkey held more than 25 joint military exercises over the past year and invited member states to participate in joint OTS military drills in 2026.
Aliyev also proposed celebrating the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress, held in Baku in 1926, marking “a century of linguistic and cultural unity across the Turkic world.”
“Our historical and ethnic roots, our common languages, and our values unite us as one family,” he said.
The Azerbaijani leader emphasized the country’s growing role in global energy and transport networks, from the Middle Corridor to the Zangezur route, calling these links “strategic arteries of the Turkic century.”
A Summit of Shared Vision
Leaders closed the Gabala Summit with a shared message of unity, resilience, and forward-looking cooperation, pledging to strengthen ties in security, trade, innovation, and culture. The next OTS Summit is expected to build on these commitments, advancing the vision of a more integrated and confident Turkic world.
