The 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) convened Tuesday in the ancient Azerbaijani city of Gabala, bringing together heads of state and government from across the Turkic world to reaffirm solidarity, strengthen security cooperation, and deepen economic integration.
A New Era for Turkic Cooperation
President Ilham Aliyev, welcoming leaders from Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, along with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán as an observer, declared that the OTS “is no longer merely a platform for cooperation, but an emerging geopolitical center.”
Gabala, once the capital of the ancient Caucasian Albanian kingdom, was chosen for its symbolism as a crossroads of civilizations. In his keynote speech, Aliyev announced a $2 million Azerbaijani contribution to support the OTS Secretariat and proposed that Azerbaijan host joint military exercises for member states in 2026.
“In today’s world, military strength is a key pillar of independence and territorial integrity,” Aliyev said.
“The Turkic world must act as a single center of power in ensuring regional peace and security.”
He emphasized the importance of the Middle Corridor and the Zangezur Corridor, calling them vital to Eurasian connectivity.
“Azerbaijan serves as a bridge between Türkiye and Central Asia – geographically, economically, and strategically,” he said. “The opening of the Zangezur Corridor will enhance the North-South and East-West transport networks, strengthening the entire Turkic world.”
Aliyev also reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to green energy, stating that by 2030 up to 40 percent of national power generation will come from renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydro.
The Azerbaijani leader proposed that 2026 mark the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress, held in Baku in 1926, as an official commemorative year within the OTS framework.
Erdoğan: “A Strong Turkic World for Future Generations”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan praised Azerbaijan for hosting the summit and called for the creation of a “Great Turkic Language Model” to preserve linguistic heritage while advancing technology and artificial intelligence.
“We view the Washington Declaration signed between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia as a positive step,” Erdoğan said.
“Today, we once again show that the Turkic states, driven by solidarity, mutual respect, and brotherhood, look confidently to the future. Together, we can leave our children a stronger Turkic world.”
Mirziyoyev: “Peace Declaration is a Common Success”
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev thanked Azerbaijan for its hospitality and praised the country’s post-war reconstruction efforts in Shusha, Khankendi, and Aghdam.
“We are witnessing the rebirth of Karabakh,” he said.
“The peace declaration signed by President Aliyev and Prime Minister Pashinyan was made possible by strong political will – it is a shared victory for the entire Turkic world.”
Mirziyoyev added that the declaration opens new opportunities for cooperation in trade, transport, and humanitarian exchange among OTS members.
Tokayev: “When Turks Stand United, They Are Stronger”
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev described the Washington peace declaration as “a historic document that ended a 30-year conflict”.
“In a world facing geopolitical turbulence, Turkic nations must act together in defense of common interests,” he said.
Citing poet Bakhtiyar Vahabzade, Tokayev reminded: “A Turk must never be hostile to another Turk.”
Tokayev also highlighted the Green Energy Corridor initiative linking Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan, calling it “a model of practical and future-oriented cooperation.”
Japarov: “Peace in the Caucasus Is Our Common Goal”
Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov congratulated Azerbaijan on assuming the OTS chairmanship and commended the peace process between Baku and Yerevan.
“The declaration signed by the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia demonstrates their determination to achieve lasting peace, security, and trust in the South Caucasus,” he said.
Japarov invited member states to participate in the World Nomad Games, which Kyrgyzstan will host in 2026, and said he was confident Azerbaijan’s chairmanship would “strengthen the organization’s global standing.”
Berdymukhamedov: “Brotherhood Is Our Foundation”
Chairman of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov called for continued unity and solidarity among Turkic peoples.
“The OTS unites brotherly nations that share common history, culture, heritage, and language,” he said. “Our main goal is to strengthen friendship and cooperation at both regional and international levels.”
Berdymukhamedov also announced Turkmenistan’s gift to Azerbaijan — the construction of a new mosque in Fuzuli, symbolizing friendship and faith among Turkic nations. Later in the day, leaders attended the foundation-laying ceremony for the mosque.
Orbán: “Azerbaijan Is a Strategic Partner for Europe”
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, representing an observer state, praised Azerbaijan’s “economic dynamism, renewable energy leadership, and regional stability.”
“Your achievements are proof that Central Asia and the Caspian region are the ‘gold reserve’ of the European continent,” Orbán said, thanking Aliyev for allowing Hungarian companies to take part in Azerbaijan’s energy projects.
“We are not just friends – we are strategic partners.”
Ersin Tatar: “Karabakh Victory Is the Turkic World’s Shared Triumph”
Ersin Tatar, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, hailed Azerbaijan’s 2020 victory as “a triumph of justice and national will,” noting that it resonates across all Turkic lands.
“When the Turkic world stands united, it can overcome any challenge,” he said. “This victory belongs to us all – to the great Turkic family.”
Closing of the Summit
The summit concluded with the signing of the Gabala Declaration, outlining joint initiatives in defense, energy, transport, and cultural cooperation.
Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliyev announced the establishment of a Permanent Secretariat for the Union of Turkic Universities and a special program fund, partially financed by Azerbaijan’s new contribution.
“The Zangezur Corridor will strengthen the Turkic world geopolitically,” Omuraliyev said, calling it “a modern Silk Road” that will transform Eurasian transit links.
President Aliyev, closing the summit, thanked his counterparts for “their valuable contributions to strengthening friendship and brotherhood among Turkic nations.”
“The discussions today define the next stage in the OTS journey,” he said. “Together, we are building a future of prosperity, unity, and peace.”
