Azerbaijan’s Role in the Future of Turkic World

Muhammad Ali Pasha

Analyst and Expert on Central Asia, South East Asia, China, Türkiye and Middle East. Furthermore, he is a writer and poet.

The Organisation of Turkic States, formerly known as the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States, stands as a testament to the shared values, history, and aspirations of Turkic-speaking nations. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, in his speech during the swearing-in ceremony, underscored the significance of mutual trust, peace-building, and a common foreign policy approach in ensuring a reliable and healthy future for the Turkic world.

A Shared Vision

President Aliyev’s commitment to the Turkic world reflects a deep understanding of the advantages derived from strengthened unity among member countries. The commonality of language, religion, traditions, and cultural ties serves as the foundation for building a robust alliance. The President’s statement, “Our family is the Turkic world,” affirms the determination to resist external pressures and uphold the interests of the Turkic nations collectively.

Challenges and Opportunities

The global geopolitical landscape has often been influenced by the ideologies of Western countries. In response, the Turkic-speaking states are uniting to safeguard their national interests against external forces that seek to create chaos for their own gains. The strong political will of the leaders, coupled with shared identity factors, paves the way for the Turkic world to emerge as a formidable force.

Geographical Scope

Encompassing a vast territory from Eastern Europe to Central and Eastern Asia, the Turkic world includes nations like Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and others. Azerbaijan, in collaboration with Turkiye, has played a pivotal role in fostering unity among Turkic states.

The Evolution of Cooperation

The formation of the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States in 2009 and its subsequent transformation into the Organisation of Turkic States in 2021 highlight the commitment of member countries to deepening cooperation. Azerbaijan’s leadership, particularly under President Aliyev, has been instrumental in these efforts.

Key Factors Influencing the Future

Several factors will shape the future of the Turkic world, with a focus on economic cooperation, political integration, and cultural exchanges.

1. Economic Cooperation and Political Integration: Enhancing economic ties through trade, investment, and infrastructure projects is crucial for common prosperity. Azerbaijan, with its abundant natural resources, particularly in the energy sector, can contribute significantly to the economic growth of the region. Turkic countries can strengthen political integration to address shared challenges and protect mutual interests. Forming alliances and partnerships will be essential in navigating the complex global geopolitical landscape.
2. Cultural Exchanges: Promoting cultural exchanges will foster mutual understanding and trust among Turkic nations, further solidifying their unity.
3. Azerbaijan’s Role in Regional Cooperation: Azerbaijan, with its rich history, cultural heritage, and modern economy, is positioned as a key player in regional cooperation. The country’s active involvement in energy, transportation, and trade initiatives demonstrates its commitment to the prosperity of the Turkic world.

Economic Contributions

1. Energy:Azerbaijan’s significant reserves of oil and natural gas position it as a major energy exporter. Collaborative projects like the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline contribute to regional energy security.
2. Transportation: Strategically located, Azerbaijan serves as a crucial transit hub, facilitating international trade through various transportation corridors. Initiatives like the Southeast Europe-Western China Railway Corridor bolster transportation infrastructure.
3. Trade: Azerbaijan actively engages in trade partnerships with Turkic countries, particularly Turkiye and Kazakhstan, reflecting the potential for expanded economic cooperation.
4. Statistics: Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Turkic states increased by 40 percent in January-September 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, showcasing the growing economic collaboration.

Conclusion

The future of the Turkic world hinges on stability, mutual understanding, and cooperation. Azerbaijan, with its dynamic role in energy, transportation, and trade, is poised to contribute significantly to regional development. As the Turkic nations unite in the face of global challenges, their collective strength and shared vision will pave the way for a prosperous and harmonious future.