Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described solidarity among Turkic states as a “strategic necessity” amid global conflicts, ahead of the 13th summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Ankara.
“World politics is undergoing a profound transformation. At a time when the international system is struggling to establish justice and trust, and wars and crises are affecting vast geographical regions, solidarity among Turkic states has become a strategic necessity,” Erdogan said in an article published in media outlets across the organisation’s member and observer countries.
He said the unity of Turkic states was “the strongest expression” of their shared history and determination to shape a common future.
Stressing the importance of unity among the Turkic states, Erdogan said that “there is no room for division or discord in the Turkic world.”
The summit, to be held under the theme “The Turkic Century: Unity in Language, Thought and Deed,” will further strengthen that shared commitment, Erdogan said.
Türkiye will assume the organisation’s chairmanship from Azerbaijan, a move Erdogan described as a historic responsibility to advance common goals and strengthen the OTS’s institutional capacity.
Economic and security cooperation
Economic integration was among the organisation’s top priorities, Erdogan said, highlighting the Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor as a major opportunity to expand trade and transport links between Asia and Europe.
“The Turkic geography has the potential to become one of the major hubs of global transportation and logistics networks,” he said.
He called for stronger railway, port, road and customs connections, as well as more effective use of the Turkic Investment Fund, energy resources and renewable energy potential.
He also urged member states to strengthen production, investment, technology and communications cooperation.
Erdogan said solidarity should also extend to security, with member states pooling resources to address terrorism, cross-border crime and cyber threats.
He highlighted cooperation in the defence industry, including sharing expertise, developing domestic technologies and expanding joint production.
Shared heritage
Erdogan described shared cultural heritage as the foundation of unity, citing figures including Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, Ali Shir Nava'i, Nizami Ganjavi, Magtymguly Pyragy, Yunus Emre and Chinghiz Aitmatov.
He said agreement on a common Turkic alphabet was a historic step towards cultural rapprochement and called for closer cooperation in education, science, publishing and digital technologies.
Regional issues and Turkish Cypriot rights
On the South Caucasus, Erdogan said a peaceful and stable South Caucasus will offer "significant opportunities" for regional countries and the entire Turkic world.
He urged Turkic states to "do more" to achieve a just solution to the Palestinian issue, calling for contributions to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and launching reconstruction efforts as soon as possible.
The Turkish president also reaffirmed support for Turkish Cypriots, saying Türkiye would continue to defend their rights and interests and seek an end to their unjust isolation.
He called for expanding the opportunities provided by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ observer status in the OTS and strengthening its relations with other Turkic states.
He also noted that Türkiye hopes that renewed Iran tensions will be resolved through diplomacy rather than arms.
Erdogan said the organisation could contribute to regional and global stability by turning shared political will into lasting achievements.
“I sincerely believe that the 21st century will be the ‘Century of the Turkic World’,” he said, adding that the Ankara summit would open new horizons for cooperation and strengthen solidarity among member states.
