Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has praised Türkiye’s growing economic strength and international standing under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while calling for deeper cooperation among Turkic states.
Addressing the 13th summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Ankara on Friday, Tokayev said Türkiye had become one of the world’s most important countries in just over a century.
"Thanks to the robust policies of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the socio-economic potential of our fraternal Türkiye has grown substantially. It now holds a formidable position on the global stage, serving as both a regional and global power," he said.
Tokayev expressed Kazakhstan’s pride in the Turkish people’s achievements, highlighting the shared history and common roots linking the two countries.
Describing the OTS as a “unique institution”, he called for greater solidarity amid global challenges. Developments in the Middle East, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, have disrupted transport and logistics, he said.
Tokayev said economic integration within the OTS remained a priority for Kazakhstan, whose trade with other member states has reached $10 billion this year.
He called for the implementation of the Turkic World Vision 2040 document, the adoption of the OTS Strategy for 2027–2031 and measures to realise the Turkic Investment Fund’s full potential. He also urged support for the organisation’s Council of Elders.
Russia’s possible participation
Tokayev described consideration of Russia’s participation in the OTS as a “fair approach”, citing historical and linguistic ties.
"There are many people whose history is rooted in this country. We also know that many Russian words are derived from Turkic languages. Conversely, various Russian terms have likewise entered our own languages. Therefore, should Russia become a part of this organisation, our organisation would stand to benefit," he said.
He also called transport and logistics cooperation a “high priority”, highlighting the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route’s importance in strengthening connectivity across the Turkic world.
