OPINION - The Organization of Turkic States: A Decade and a half of unity and progress

By Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev

- The author is an ambassador, secretary general of the OTS.

ISTANBUL (AA) - As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), it is crucial to reflect on our shared journey of progress, unity, and cooperation. Since its inception, the OTS has evolved into a dynamic platform uniting Turkic nations, fostering mutual development, and amplifying our collective voice on the global stage.

Our member states, bound by a common history, traditions, language, and culture, have made significant strides in addressing global challenges while deepening internal collaboration.

- Tribute to the Nakhchivan agreement and Turkic States Cooperation Day

Today, Oct. 3, we proudly celebrate the 15th anniversary of the signing of the Nakhchivan Agreement, which established our organization, marking Turkic States Cooperation Day. On this momentous occasion, I am deeply honored to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all our brothers and sisters across the Turkic World. This day serves as a tribute to our shared heritage and the formalization of our cooperation.

Our unity, built upon solid bonds of common language, history, and traditions, has grown stronger with each passing year. The OTS has become a cornerstone for fostering collaboration in political, economic, cultural, educational, and social spheres, now encompassing 30 areas of cooperation. This remarkable progress is a testament to the collective will of our Member States and Observers, working together to create a prosperous and harmonious future for the entire region.

- A vision for the future

From the early days of the Nakhchivan Agreement, which laid the foundation for our organization, we have broadened our agenda to include areas essential to our shared future. These areas encompass political and economic cooperation, energy and transport connectivity, tourism, education, culture, and tackling pressing global issues such as climate change and sustainable development.

The recent Informal Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States, held on July 6, 2024, in Shusha, Azerbaijan, underlines the strong unity and shared vision among the Turkic nations. The summit was conducted under the theme "Building a Sustainable Future through Transport, Connectivity, and Climate Action" highlighting the shared goals of addressing critical global issues collectively.

Shusha, a city of great symbolic importance, represented the full restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. The Karabakh Declaration emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation in various sectors, including transport infrastructure, climate change, digital economy, energy integration, and space technologies.

The declaration underlined the importance of establishing trans-regional corridors and highlighted the role of projects like the Trans-Caspian International East-West Middle Corridor in bolstering economic prosperity and trade. Furthermore, it stressed the adoption of sustainable practices, including climate-resilient smart cities, renewable energy cooperation, and initiatives like the "Digital Silk Way" project. The summit reaffirmed the Turkic States' commitment to a sustainable future through concerted efforts in building economic, cultural, and environmental partnerships.

Overall, the Shusha Summit marked a historic and symbolic event, reflecting the unified spirit of the Turkic World and their readiness to collectively address regional and global challenges. This unity is expected to shape the future of cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States.

On Nov. 6, we will host the 11th meeting of the Council of Heads of State in Bishkek, centered on the theme: "Empowering the Turkic World: Economic Integration, Sustainable Development, Digital Future, and Security for All." This summit will also serve as a pivotal moment to reaffirm our commitment to these critical issues.

- Achievements in transport and connectivity

Over the past 15 years, the OTS has made significant contributions to improving transport and connectivity across the Turkic world. Initiatives such as the Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor have revolutionized regional trade, making it more efficient and sustainable. Notable projects like the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway stand as clear examples of our collective effort to establish a seamless trade network connecting Asia with Europe, promoting economic integration and boosting our global presence.

In the broader scope of enhancing Eurasian connectivity, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, which forms part of the southern route of the Middle Corridor, is a cornerstone of regional integration. Once operational, this railway will directly connect China's industrial heartland with the emerging markets of Central Asia and Europe. Early forecasts indicate that this new route will shorten the distance from East Asia to the Middle East and Southern Europe by approximately 900 kilometers (559 miles), reducing delivery times by 7-8 days and facilitating the transport of 12-15 million tons of cargo annually.

The OTS has also made significant strides in digitalizing transport procedures to create efficient and seamless transportation across its member states. Key initiatives include the Digital TIR project, which simplifies customs procedures, and the launch of a green corridor between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, with Kyrgyzstan joining in 2022. Türkiye and Uzbekistan pioneered the e-Permit project, which digitalizes road transport operations, reducing administrative costs and improving border crossings. Additionally, efforts are underway to implement the eCMR system for digital waybills, further streamlining transport across the region. These projects aim to modernize transportation and foster smoother trade between member states.

- Economic cooperation: A path to shared prosperity

Economic cooperation remains central to our agenda. The establishment of the Turkic Investment Fund in 2023 marks a milestone, providing a common platform for financing projects that promote intra-regional trade and investment. Additionally, ongoing negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement on Services and Investment as well as the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement also aim at removing barriers and opening up new avenues for businesses, fostering growth and innovation throughout the region. We are also advancing towards establishing the Council of Central (National) Banks of the Member States of the OTS.

With these strategic projects, we aim to create a more connected and competitive region, positioning the Turkic World as a critical link in global trade routes.

- Turkic week in Geneva: A celebration of culture and diplomacy

The successful hosting of Turkic Week in Geneva at the UN headquarters in April 2024, the first program of its kind, marked a significant milestone for the OTS. This landmark event showcased the rich cultural heritage of our member states and reinforced our diplomatic presence on the international stage. Featuring a diverse range of cultural exhibitions, musical performances, and roundtable discussions, it highlighted the Turkic World’s contributions to global culture and diplomacy. The event also provided a critical platform for dialogue on global issues, further enhancing the visibility of the OTS and strengthening relationships with international partners.

- Boosting tourism in the Turkic World

Tourism has become one of the key pillars of cooperation among the Turkic States. Recognizing the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage, the OTS has launched several initiatives to promote the Turkic World as a premier tourist destination. Projects like the Modern Silk Road Joint Tour and the Tabarruk Ziyarat highlight the enduring ties among member states, promoting both tourism and cultural exchange. The Turkic World Tourism Capital initiative further showcases key destinations, contributing not only to cultural exchange but also to economic growth.

- Climate action

In response to the urgent challenges posed by climate change, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has taken bold steps towards fostering regional cooperation on sustainability. These efforts will be articulated in our forthcoming "Turkic Green Vision" set to be adopted by our leaders at the upcoming summit in Bishkek in November 2024. This vision represents our shared commitment to sustainable development and climate action across the Turkic World.

A key initiative within this framework is the development of climate-resilient smart cities and villages. These projects aim to integrate clean energy solutions and sustainable infrastructure to enhance the quality of life while preparing communities to adapt to climate-related challenges, all while driving economic growth.

Additionally, the OTS is exploring the creation of a climate and Green Digital Platform to promote collaboration on environmental sustainability and digital innovation. At the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) Summit in Baku in November this year, we also plan to introduce the Mountain and climate dialogue to support sustainable development in vulnerable mountain regions.

- Emphasizing cooperation in education and language

In addition to these economic and environmental initiatives, the OTS has placed a strong emphasis on education and academic collaboration as key drivers of future development and integration across the region. The establishment of the Turkic Universities Union is a key milestone in this regard, fostering academic collaboration and joint research projects among universities in member states. This initiative supports student and faculty exchanges, promoting cross-border partnerships and unified educational standards. Furthermore, the Common Alphabet Commission was established to systematize a common alphabet, facilitating communication and preserving the linguistic and cultural heritage of the Turkic people.

Recently in Baku, after extensive efforts by the Common Alphabet Commission under the leadership of the Turkic Academy, a proposal for a Common Turkic Alphabet comprising 34 letters was finalized. This unified alphabet aims to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation among Turkic peoples while preserving their rich linguistic heritage.

- International engagement and diplomacy

Aligned with the OTS Strategy 2022-2026, we have significantly expanded our partnerships with international organizations, which are crucial to addressing common challenges and promoting sustainable development across the Turkic world. The OTS has emerged as a respected player in international diplomacy, contributing to global forums and initiatives, and positioning itself as a key actor in fostering peace, stability, and cooperation across Eurasia and beyond.

- Cooperation within the Turkic World

To further strengthen cooperation within the Turkic World, we are enhancing the role of the Coordination Committee, which encompasses TURKSOY, the Turkic Academy, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation (TCHF), and the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA). The adoption of an action plan comprising 36 key initiatives marks significant progress towards bolstering our collaborative efforts and deepening regional ties.

- Looking ahead

I would like to emphasize that, beyond these efforts, our work is progressing with full intensity across a wide range of areas. This includes significant initiatives in the judiciary, religious affairs, defense, justice, as well as family and social issues. We remain dedicated to making comprehensive advancements in each of these fields to foster greater cooperation and development among our member states.

As the OTS celebrates 15 years of accomplishments, we look to the future with optimism. The Turkic World stands at a pivotal moment, where the foundations laid by our predecessors serve as a springboard for deeper cooperation and innovation. Together, we will continue to strengthen our unity and strive for a brighter, more sustainable future for all our member states and partners.

"Unity is our strength; together, we move forward on this path. The future of the Turkic world shines bright and is filled with hope.”

“Together we are stronger."

*Opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Anadolu's editorial policy.