AKIPRESS.COM - On Turkic States Cooperation Day, October 3, marking the 16th anniversary of the Nakhchivan Agreement, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) celebrates its growth from a limited platform into a comprehensive body spanning 40 areas of cooperation, including politics, trade, energy, and digitalization. This expansion reflects the commitment of member and observer states to translate historical and cultural ties into practical progress, OTS Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliev said.

Achievements of the Kyrgyz Chairmanship (2024–2025)

Following the 2024 Bishkek Summit, which focused on economic integration, sustainable development, and security, the Kyrgyz chairmanship oversaw an unprecedented level of activity with over 120 high-level meetings.

The historic first-ever Meeting of the Heads of Government in September 2025 focused on trade, investment, and energy, establishing a tradition to strengthen the organization's economic backbone. New mechanisms were created, including the inaugural meetings of Central Banks, Financial Intelligence Units, and the Green Finance Council.

Cholpon-Ata was named the Turkic World's Agricultural Capital, hosting an Agricultural Ministers' meeting and an Agro-Forum. Jalal-Abad was designated the Turkic World Tourism Center. Initiatives like the "Unified Ski Pass" and "Turk ID" scheme were advanced to facilitate travel.

Meetings of Security Council Secretaries and heads of human resource agencies were held. In education, steps were taken to establish a secretariat for the Union of Turkic Universities (TURKUNIB), and Hungary endorsed a €1 million annual commitment to the Scientific Research, Development, and Innovation Fund.

Member states discussed a joint Cube Satellite project and held the 3rd Turkic Space Researchers Academy.

Global Outreach and Future Direction

The OTS held its first Informal Summit in an Observer State, adopting the Budapest Declaration in Hungary in May 2025, which outlined a new roadmap for economic and digital security.

The organization has also expanded dialogue with major international bodies in Geneva, Brussels, and New York.

Collaborations, such as the "Cleantech Days 2025" in Istanbul with UNIDO, underscore the OTS's role as a global contributor to solutions like the green transition.

The Road to the Gabala Summit

The upcoming 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State will be held in Gabala, Azerbaijan, on October 7, 2025, under the theme "Regional Peace and Security." Azerbaijan's strategic role in major transport (Middle Corridor) and energy projects is vital.

The Gabala Summit is seen as a historic moment to usher in a new chapter under Azerbaijan's chairmanship, leveraging its political and economic strength to guide the OTS toward greater growth and international visibility, especially with recent agreements advancing peace in the South Caucasus. The OTS intends to continue strengthening unity, deepening cooperation, and serving as a force for peace and prosperity globally.