The 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) concluded in Gabala with the adoption of the Gabala Declaration, outlining a series of strategic cultural, technological, and diplomatic initiatives to deepen cooperation among Turkic nations.
According to the declaration, the Third Turkic World Cultural Forum will be held in one of the Turkic states in 2027, continuing the success of the previous gathering in Khiva, Uzbekistan, in April 2025. Leaders praised the forum’s growing role as a platform for cultural dialogue and integration.
The OTS members also reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the organization’s international standing, agreeing to intensify joint efforts to secure observer status at the UN General Assembly and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Another highlight of the declaration is the planned “Turkic Week” in Vienna in January 2026, which will promote global awareness of the Turkic world. Member and observer states were encouraged to coordinate effectively in preparing the event.
The declaration further announced that the OTS countries will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on urban planning and sustainable city development, supporting Azerbaijan’s initiative to share expertise in smart cities, sustainable reconstruction, and regional planning.
Transport and Connectivity
The member states expressed full support for the development of the Zangezur Corridor, reaffirming their commitment to the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway and the Trans-Caspian International East–West Corridor (Middle Corridor).
They also welcomed the August 8, 2025 Washington agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia on opening regional transport links, describing it as a key step toward restoring connectivity between mainland Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, and toward broader regional peace and prosperity.
Science and Technology
The OTS countries confirmed plans to jointly produce a satellite – 12U TDT-SAT Küp – by 2026, marking a new milestone in technological cooperation. The project was first discussed at the OTS space industry meeting in Istanbul on July 23, 2025, and will symbolize shared innovation and capacity among member states.
Future Summits and Strategic Partnership
The declaration also emphasized the need to finalize and sign a Treaty on Strategic Partnership, Eternal Friendship, and Brotherhood, to reinforce political and cultural unity within the Turkic world.
The 13th OTS Summit will be held in Türkiye in 2026, while an informal summit is scheduled to take place in Kazakhstan the same year.
