President Tokayev Commits to Enhance International Status of OTS
Shusha, The Gulf Observer: Kazakh Head of State Kassym-Jomart Tokayev delivered a speech at the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), according to reports of Akorda.
In his address, Tokayev emphasized that the summit’s theme, “Building a sustainable future through transport, communication, and climate activity,” aligns with the interests of all member states. He highlighted the summit’s goals of increasing the well-being of Turkic peoples, identifying new development areas, enhancing fraternal ties, and ensuring regional stability.
Tokayev noted Kazakhstan’s contributions to the organization during its current presidency of the OTS. “We’re to do our utmost to strengthen the international status of the organization. Under the theme TURKTIME!, our countries are boosting their interaction,” Tokayev stated. He mentioned that around 40 events had been held, and new mechanisms for cooperation in social policy, law enforcement, education, technology, innovation, and industry were developed.
In September, the Kazakh capital will host the 5th World Nomad Games, showcasing Turkic culture. Tokayev invited athletes from fraternal countries to participate in this event.
Addressing global security and stability, Tokayev stressed the importance of unity among Turkic nations. “Our strength is in unity. Constructive dialogue is the only effective way to resolve conflicts and disputes,” he said. He also highlighted positive trends in peace efforts between Azerbaijan and Armenia, reiterating Kazakhstan’s commitment to peacekeeping and its readiness to facilitate negotiations between Baku and Yerevan.
Tokayev proposed expanding trade and cargo transportation among OTS members and other countries. He underscored the potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, noting a doubling of container transportation compared to 2023. Kazakhstan’s multimodal digital platform, Digital Trade Corridor, aims to reduce delivery times. He mentioned that cooperation with Azerbaijan has led to a 65% increase in cargo transportation via the Middle Corridor, reaching almost three million tons. The Aktau port’s maritime hub can now handle up to 300,000 shipping containers.
Tokayev also suggested creating the “Big Language Turkic Model” using AI to preserve national languages and distinctive civilizations.
On climate change, Tokayev expressed Kazakhstan’s commitment to boosting cooperation with the Turkic world. He announced Kazakhstan’s active participation in the COP29 in Azerbaijan and its plans to host the UN Regional Climate Summit in 2026. He stressed the importance of addressing environmental issues facing the Caspian and Aral Seas.
In conclusion, Tokayev highlighted that the summit allowed for a comprehensive discussion of important matters, enhancing the global status of the Turkic world and strengthening ties among fraternal nations.
The summit was attended by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orban, Vice President of Türkiye Cevdet Yilmaz, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ersin Tatar, and OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev.
The Organization of Turkic States, established under the Nakhchivan Agreement on October 3, 2009, at Kazakhstan’s initiative, includes Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan as members, with Hungary, Turkmenistan, and Northern Cyprus as observers. The OTS Secretariat is located in Istanbul, Türkiye.
