Shavkat Mirziyoyev Proposes AI, Cybersecurity and Digital Cooperation Initiatives at Turkic States Summit in Turkestan
Turkestan, The Gulf Observer: President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States held in Turkestan on May 15 under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development,” where leaders discussed expanding cooperation in digital transformation, regional connectivity, cybersecurity, and sustainable development.
The summit was attended by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev.
During the summit, the leaders exchanged views on the current state of multifaceted cooperation among Turkic states and discussed priority areas for strengthening practical partnership.
In his address, President Mirziyoyev thanked President Tokayev for organizing the summit in Turkestan, describing the city as an important trade and cultural center along the historic Silk Road. He also praised President Ilham Aliyev for his effective chairmanship of the OTS and efforts to enhance the organization’s international standing.
The Uzbek President emphasized that integration within the Turkic world represents a long-term strategic priority directly linked to the future of fraternal Turkic nations.
“Our meeting today is taking place at a time when tensions are escalating around the world. Trust in international relations is waning, and the role and influence of global institutions are diminishing. These challenges require us to intensify our dialogue and develop unified positions on critical issues,” Mirziyoyev stated.
Highlighting the growing influence of the OTS, Mirziyoyev noted that the combined economic potential of member states exceeded $2.4 trillion in 2025, with growth rates reportedly surpassing the global average by twofold.
He added that Uzbekistan’s trade turnover with OTS member states increased by 14 percent over the past year, while new regional mechanisms such as the Turkic Investment Fund, the Council of Central Banks, and the Turkic Green Finance Council had begun operations.
Focusing on artificial intelligence and digital development, the Uzbek leader stressed that the scientific legacy of renowned scholars including Muhammad Khwarizmi, Ahmad Fergani, Abu Rayhan Biruni, and Mirzo Ulugbek laid the foundations for modern mathematics, astronomy, and artificial intelligence.
“Our great ancestors made invaluable contributions to the development of algorithms, mathematics, astronomy, and physics, laying the foundation for modern artificial intelligence. Building on this priceless heritage, we are creating a new era of digital development for the Turkic world,” he said.
President Mirziyoyev proposed establishing a strategic cooperation network on artificial intelligence within the OTS framework to support emerging technologies, including quantum computing, and to help create a unified digital space across member states.
He also proposed the development of a “Digital Turkic Corridor” to facilitate regional data exchange and suggested holding a Technology Forum in Tashkent involving OTS member countries.
The President further highlighted the role of the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent as a growing regional scientific and educational hub dedicated to preserving and promoting shared Turkic heritage. He noted that a TURKSOY office had recently been opened within the center.
Mirziyoyev proposed integrating historical and cultural resources into a unified big data platform in cooperation with TURKSOY and the Turkic Academy, while also calling for broader research and promotion of the ideas of tolerance and enlightenment associated with the Yasawi order.
The Uzbek President also highlighted the “Five Million AI Leaders” program aimed at preparing young people for modern professions and invited member states to join a joint venture fund being established by Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to finance youth startup projects.
In the area of regional connectivity, Mirziyoyev welcomed the implementation of the “E-Permit” electronic permit system among member states to simplify freight transportation procedures. He also emphasized the importance of integrating the strategically significant Middle Corridor with the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project and fully digitalizing customs data exchange.
Addressing environmental and security challenges, the Uzbek leader proposed declaring 2027 the “Year of Nature Conservation” in the Turkic world and called for establishing a climate risk monitoring system under the OTS using satellite technologies and artificial intelligence for early drought detection and transboundary water management.
He further proposed the establishment of a Turkic Alliance for Cybersecurity and Digital Infrastructure Protection to strengthen legal and technological cooperation against terrorism, extremism, and cyber threats.
Concluding his remarks, President Mirziyoyev said that unity and intellectual cooperation among Turkic nations could transform the Turkic world into a center of sustainable development and innovation.
Following the summit, participating leaders adopted the Turkestan Declaration.
