The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has become one of the leading multilateral platforms in the modern world, covering a geography inhabited by approximately 150 million people. Especially the recent global geopolitical and economic trends make it necessary to strengthen and develop cooperation between the Turkish states. In this regard, the VIII Summit of the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States held in Istanbul last year is of exceptional historical importance. Changing the name of the institution to an organization at the summit can be considered the next important step toward the establishment of the Organization of Turkic States. Because, as President Ilham Aliyev noted, this is not just a name change, but also a change in the development vector: "Because all countries that are members of the organization understand the need to strengthen unity."
One year has passed since that historic event. During the past period, the organization has developed further, relations between Turkic-speaking countries have been strengthened, and confident steps have been taken toward the formation of the union.
It is no secret that the world's leading international organizations cannot fulfill their duties as a result of the conflict of interests between different countries. From this point of view, OTS formed by countries that share common history, culture, and traditions and are natural allies has unique advantages. Thus, the common features of the member countries listed above not only serve to strengthen solidarity within the organization, but also create conditions for mutual trust and support, and extensive cooperation.
The importance of OTS for the member countries is already evident in a practical way. Member countries try not to act contrary to the obligations arising from membership in the organization during their activities on other international platforms they join.
The growing global importance of OTS is now the focus of the entire world.
The fact that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan invited French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife to the organization in Prague can be considered as a message that OTS is one of the multilateral platforms that play an exceptional role in joint decision-making between countries.
Member countries of the Organization of Turkic States, which are becoming more powerful militarily and politically, repeatedly voiced both within the organization, and international organizations that they support ensuring peace and prosperity, stability, security, and economic development in the world.
Turkiye, one of the most powerful countries of NATO, declares at every opportunity that it is in favor of peace in the country and in the world, and in favor of kind neighborhood relations with neighbors, no matter of how much it trespasses.
Azerbaijan was able to create a unique opportunity for peace and cooperation in the Caucasus, by putting an end to Armenia’s 30 years of occupation in the 44-day patriotic War, and applying the resolutions of the UN on its own.
The organization of Turkic States is not an alliance formed against the third countries, but it is a platform of global importance serving to strengthen international cooperation in various fields.
It is worth mentioning that the liberation of Karabakh created a historic opportunity for the resumption of the violated geographical connection of the Turkic world, also making possible the realization of the projects such as the Zangazur corridor. In these terms, the liberation of Karabakh is an event considered a turning point not only for Azerbaijan but also for the Turkic world and the unity of Turkic states. It is not a coincidence that 1 year after the war, at the summit held in Istanbul, President Ilham Aliyev was awarded the High Order of the Turkic World for its efforts for the liberation of Karabakh, and his contributions to the works on further strengthening the Turkic union.
Turkic geography will reconnect with transport and communication projects to be carried out in Zangazur.
Due to already existing solidarity and cooperation among the countries, membership in the Organization of Turkic States is very attractive. Uzbekistan’s membership in the organization at the Vll summit, and the officialization of Turkmenistan's representation in the organization as an observer, were important steps in the direction of expanding the geography and further strengthening the organization. During its chairmanship of the organization, Azerbaijan did not hesitate to fulfill all its duties in the direction of strengthening the unity among the Turkic states.
Opinions of President Ilham Aliyev sounded while receiving Secretary-General of the Organization Baghdad Amreyev show that official Baku will spare no efforts in the direction of strengthening the OTS in the future as well: “For my part, I want to say that Azerbaijan will continue to do everything to strengthen the unity of the Turkic world. This is a great heritage of our ancestors. The Turkic world, unfortunately, has been fragmented over the course of various stages of history, and now there are still issues that require our attention and a well-concerted policy. Within the framework of national states, the states of the Turkic world are already united.”
With the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking Countries becoming an Organization of Turkic States at the 8th Summit, its status has risen further. Relations between Turkic countries in political, economic, cultural, and other fields now are developing with an ascending line. The volume of trade turnover among countries is stated to exceed USD 20 billion. Paying attention to several directions in the coming period for further strengthening the OTS and member states is essential.
While receiving Secretary-General of the Organization Baghdad Amreyev, President Ilham Aliyev especially stressed two directions during speaking about tasks ahead of the organization in the coming period:
1. Security issues: Current situation in the world now and the importance of resolution of security issues.
2. Tasks ahead in the work of defense of rights of compatriots of Turkic states living in foreign countries, provision of their security, and maintenance of their national identities.
Conduction of close dialogue regarding security issues, foreign affairs, meetings, and gatherings with the participation of heads of security bodies is very purposeful for achieving success in the above-mentioned directions.
Protection of the rights and security of our compatriots has made up one of the main activity directions of the Azerbaijani government in foreign policy. Taking into complex situation in the region, the conduction of discussions in this direction at the next summit is also very essential.
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