Kazakh President Proposes Expanded "Turkic States+" Cooperation Format

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed establishing an expanded "Organization of Turkic States+" format to strengthen international partnerships during the group's 12th summit in Gabala, Azerbaijan. Addressing leaders under the "Regional Peace and Security" theme, Tokayev characterized the OTS as having evolved into a significant platform uniting friendly nations amid global geopolitical challenges.

The Kazakh leader emphasized the deteriorating global security environment while praising the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace declaration as a historic stability achievement. Tokayev specifically advocated creating a Cybersecurity Council within the OTS framework, noting that existing cooperation against terrorism and organized crime requires augmentation with coordinated digital threat responses. He additionally proposed establishing a Digital Monitoring Center and Energy Efficiency Excellence Council to advance artificial intelligence and renewable energy collaboration.

Tokayev highlighted substantial progress in regional connectivity, noting a sixfold increase in cargo volume along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route over five years. He urged member states to modernize this Middle Corridor while enhancing digitalization in transport and logistics. The Kazakh president announced upcoming OTS economy ministers' meetings in Turkistan this November and advocated more effective utilization of the Turkic Investment Fund to advance trade projects.

Expressing ecological concerns, Tokayev called for collective action to address the shrinking Caspian Sea, describing the water body as holding special historical significance for Turkic peoples. He further proposed hosting a Creative Economy Forum in Almaty next year to strengthen cultural and educational exchanges among Turkic youth, alongside establishing a Turkic World Researchers Club under the Kazakhstan-based Turkic Academy.