Turkic integration, cooperation highlighted at Antalya Diplomacy Forum discussion

By Ruslan Rehimov

ANTALYA (AA) – The Institutionalization in the Turkic World: OTS in the 21st Century discussion was held at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum to emphasize the importance of enhancing integration and cooperation in the Turkic world.

The panel was attended by Mevlut Cavusoglu, chairman of the Turkish delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly and former Turkish foreign minister; Murat Nurtleu, deputy prime minister and Kazakhstan’s foreign minister; Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Ceyhun Bayramov; Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Bahtiyar Saidov and Ceenbek Kulubayev, foreign minister for Kyrgyzstan.

Nurtleu said Kazakhstan supported Türkiye's integration initiatives in the Turkic world.

He emphasized his country’s support for all Organization of Turkic States (OTS) member countries and said it will continue integration among Turkic countries.

Highlighting the significant future and potential of Turkic states, Nurtleu emphasized the common culture, religion, language and traditions. He encouraged them to establish stronger bonds and build more resilient economies.

- ‘Unity and solidarity are our goal and objective '

Bayramov noted the significant interest in the Forum, attributing it to the success and influence of Turkish diplomacy.

He highlighted Türkiye's success as a source of pride for the entire Turkic world, noting President Ilham Aliyev's statement during his inauguration after being reelected: "Our family is the Turkic world."

Asserting Azerbaijan’s grand vision and plans for the Turkic world, Bayramov said OTS is a "unique" institution.

Azerbaijan has invested more than $20 billion in OTS countries, and the figure is increasing, he said. "Unity and solidarity are our goal and objective."

Bayramov also addressed the importance of regional institutionalization and cooperation amid global crises and said regional institutionalization and cooperation have become increasingly important.

"OTS is a unique institution by its nature, and this institution has deep roots."

- 'Turk Investment Fund will facilitate the development of economic relations'

Kulubayev said Turkic states are now moving in the same direction and cooperation will continue. "The Turk Investment Fund will also facilitate the development of economic relations," he said.

Emphasizing the need for the development of transportation infrastructure, Kulubayev highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation by connecting Eurasian transportation corridors.

He emphasized the need for OTS countries to adopt a common stance on climate change.

- "Uzbekistan will do everything for OTS to be a more effective organization"

Saidov expressed satisfaction with the global interest in the Forum.

He emphasized the importance of OTS's institutionalization in the context of fundamental global changes.

Stating that developments in the world also affect the Turkic world, Saidov said relations among Turkic states are becoming "deeper and more dynamic."

"Our relations are opening up new horizons for cooperation. We are entering a new era. OTS is entering an era of practical cooperation. The doors to our long-term initiatives have not yet opened," he said. "Uzbekistan will contribute to everything for OTS to be a more effective organization according to our future goals.”

Saidov underscored the importance of expanding economic relations and developing investment projects among OTS countries.

- 'Our region needs a strong Turkic geopolitics'

Cavusoglu expressed pride in the achievements of Turkic integration.

He highlighted significant steps toward integration among OTS countries and expressed a desire to see Turkmenistan as a full member.

"We see the Century of Turkey as the Century of the Turkic world as well," said Cavusoglu. "Indeed, this is possible. In the 21st century, the Turkic world can leave its mark with both its organization and concrete steps. We must believe in this. We will continue to work in this direction."

He emphasized the need for a strong Turkic geopolitics in the region. "We need this for stable and uninterrupted trade between Asia and Europe," he said.

He added that a strong Turkic geopolitics is also necessary for addressing the root causes of various threats and issues in the region.

Asserting that OTS strength implies stability and security not only for the region but beyond, Cavusoglu said: "Our responsibilities are even greater. We are aware of this. OTS aims not only for the welfare of its members but also for the stability and security of our region. OTS does not see any country as a rival. OTS has no hidden agenda. All decisions taken are transparent."

"OTS is not in competition with the world or other international organizations. We must work harder to strengthen our integration and continue our concrete steps for the cooperation and stability of the region. As a soldier, I am always at the service of our organization," he added.

*Writing by Alperen Aktas from Istanbul