OPINION: From Bishkek to Gabala: Achievements and prospects of the Turkic states

On Oct. 3, we mark Turkic States Cooperation Day, which also commemorates the 16th anniversary of the historic Nakhchivan Agreement, the foundation of our organization. This day not only celebrates our institutional achievements, but also the enduring unity, solidarity, and brotherhood of the Turkic peoples. Over the past 16 years, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has grown into a comprehensive platform of cooperation. Initially limited to a few priority fields, our cooperation now spans 40 areas, including politics, trade, transport, energy, digitalization, green economy, health, education, youth, and space.

This advancement would not have been possible without the steadfast commitment and vision of our heads of state, the valuable guidance of our foreign ministers, and the active efforts of all ministries, agencies, and institutions of our member and observer states. It demonstrates our collective determination to transform the bonds of history and culture into practical instruments of solidarity and progress.

As we celebrate this special day, we look forward with confidence to the next chapter of our journey, including the achievements of the Kyrgyz chairmanship and the upcoming 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State in Gabala, Azerbaijan — a gathering that will further strengthen unity, deepen cooperation, and advance peace and prosperity across the Turkic world.

- Highlights from successful Kyrgyz chairmanship

When the leaders of the Turkic States gathered in Bishkek in November 2024 under the theme “Empowering the Turkic World: Economic Integration, Sustainable Development, Digital Future, and Security for All”, they did not simply adopt decisions — they set in motion a new wave of cooperation.

The year that followed was a period of unprecedented activity. More than 120 high-level meetings and events were held, expanding the scope of cooperation and creating new mechanisms for dialogue. Among them was the historic first-ever Meeting of the Heads of Government of the OTS in Bishkek in September 2025, which focused on trade, investment, energy, agriculture, and digitalization. The meeting resulted in a joint statement. It should be noted that this meeting was convened in response to the recent increase in OTS activities and the need to promptly and effectively implement the decisions adopted by the presidents at the summits. It marked the beginning of a tradition that will strengthen the economic backbone of our organization.

Sectoral meetings gave further substance to this momentum. For the first time, Central Banks, Financial Intelligence Units, Defense Industry Institutions, and Intellectual Property Agencies held dedicated meetings, alongside the inaugural Green Finance Council and Assembly of the Turkic World Insurance Union. A new Advisory Platform for the Central Election Authorities (APCEA) was also established.

Traditional meetings continued to retain their significance while being enriched with new ideas. In June 2025, OTS Agricultural Ministers met in Cholpon-Ata, adopting a Joint Communique and a Strategic Roadmap for agricultural cooperation. Cholpon-Ata was named the Turkic World's Agricultural Capital for 2025-2026, and a Turkic Entrepreneurs Agro-Forum brought together officials, business leaders, and investors to discuss new projects.

In tourism, Jalal-Abad was designated as the Turkic World Tourism Center, hosting a major International Tourism Forum in September that showcased regional attractions and strengthened partnerships. Winter tourism also advanced with the first Turk Ski Cup in Uzbekistan and the inaugural Turk Ski Resorts Summit in Shahdag, Azerbaijan. Initiatives like the “Unified Ski Pass,” "Common Museum Ticket," and "Turk ID" scheme are making travel across member states easier and more accessible.

State governance and security were also actively addressed. Meetings of heads of human resource development agencies were held in Issyk-Kul, while sessions bringing together Muslim Religious Boards and the Secretaries of Security Councils took place in Bishkek.

Youth and sports cooperation flourished, with over 500 participants at the III Turkic Universiade in Cholpon-Ata, the launch of Almaty’s “Youth Center of the Turkic World,” the Third Diaspora Youth Forum in Tashkent, and key humanitarian initiatives, including the Sports Volunteers Forum in Gabala and the Turkic Red Network Volunteer Camp in Istanbul, further strengthened regional engagement.

Education remains central to our integration efforts. Ministries and universities are taking steps to establish a permanent secretariat and program fund for the Union of Turkic Universities (TURKUNIB) and the Orkhun Exchange Program. Hungary’s readiness to allocate a €1 million ($1.17 million) annually to the Scientific Research, Development, and Innovation Fund for the OTS has also been endorsed, supporting research, innovation, and knowledge sharing across the Turkic world.

Space, innovation, and culture were also prioritized. In Baku, member states discussed a joint Cube Satellite project, a flagship initiative in space cooperation. The 3rd Turkic Space Researchers Academy opened in Izmir, offering young scientists training in astronomy, astrophysics, and rocketry.

Additionally, during this term, international cultural events included the 8th International Folk Epics Festival in Bishkek, celebrating the 130th anniversary of the legendary manaschi Sayakbay Karalaev, where the OTS awarded the winner of the "Best Yurt" contest.

These efforts illustrate how the Bishkek Summit and the subsequent Kyrgyz chairmanship period revitalized our integration process, broadening the horizons of what the Turkic States can achieve together.

- Global outreach and strategic innovation

In this regard, a major milestone was the Informal Summit of the OTS held in Budapest on May 21, 2025. For the first time, such a meeting was hosted in Europe, in the territory of an Observer State. The Budapest Declaration adopted there outlined a new roadmap in economic integration, digital development, and security. The OTS has also become a more active international partner. Building on the instructions of our heads of state, we have expanded dialogue with major organizations in Geneva, Vienna, Brussels, Paris, and New York.

One of the highlights of this year was the "Cleantech Days 2025" in Istanbul, co-organized with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Institution (TUBITAK).

This forum brought together governments, entrepreneurs, and innovators to showcase clean technologies, support small and medium-sized enterprises, and explore how regional cooperation can drive the global green transition. The discussions underscored a clear truth: the OTS is not only a regional actor, but also a contributor to solutions for challenges that concern all humanity. This momentum will continue with new initiatives such as the 2nd edition of "Turkic Week," this time in Vienna, designed to present our organization’s mission and achievements on a global stage.

- Azerbaijan's pivotal role

As the birthplace of the Nakhchivan Agreement of 2009, Azerbaijan has always stood at the heart of the OTS family. The restoration of its sovereignty and territorial integrity has opened a new era for the region, strengthening peace and creating opportunities for wider cooperation.

Azerbaijan’s role in major transport and energy projects is well known — from the Southern Gas Corridor to the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and the Middle Corridor. These initiatives shorten trade routes, link continents, and contribute to global connectivity. Energy cooperation is another cornerstone: Azerbaijan’s ambitious offshore wind projects and the Green Corridor partnership demonstrate how our countries can lead the way toward sustainable growth.

Economically, the figures speak for themselves. With a combined GDP of more than $2.1 trillion, the Turkic States are a global economic force. Intra-OTS trade, once a modest 3%, has already risen to 7%, and continues to grow. Mechanisms such as the Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Turkic Investment Fund — an idea first proposed by Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev — are bringing together millions of entrepreneurs and ensuring that prosperity reaches small and medium-sized enterprises across our region.

- Toward Gabala: Regional peace and security

On Oct. 7, 2025, our leaders will gather in Gabala for the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State under the theme "Regional Peace and Security." This summit will be a symbolic and historic moment: the convergence of history and modernity in Azerbaijan’s ancient city, and the beginning of a new chapter under Azerbaijan's Chairmanship.

The expectations are high, and the foundations are strong. Azerbaijan’s strategic location, political weight, and economic potential position it to guide our organization into a new stage of growth and visibility on the international stage. With the recent Washington Agreements advancing peace in the South Caucasus, the theme of this summit carries a profound resonance for our entire region. As Aliyev has said: “The Organization of Turkic States is our fundamental international organization. It is our family. The Turkic world is our family. We have no other family.” It is this spirit of belonging and shared destiny that defines our journey — from Bishkek to Gabala, and far beyond. The OTS will continue to strengthen unity, deepen cooperation, and serve as a force for peace and prosperity in our region and the world.

- Conclusion

I commend the Kyrgyz Republic for its energetic and effective chairmanship and the many initiatives realized under its leadership. With gratitude for Kyrgyzstan’s stewardship, we now look forward to the Gabala Summit and to the Republic of Azerbaijan’s chairmanship. Guided by our common vision, the OTS will continue to deepen political dialogue, expand economic ties, advance cultural and scientific exchange, and act as a constructive force for peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond.

*Opinions expressed in this article are the authors' own and do not necessarily reflect Anadolu's editorial policy.