STRENGTHENING THE TURKIC WORLD

The 11th Summit of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) in Bishkek constituted a significant event not only for the member countries themselves but also for the broader region encompassing Asia Minor, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. The summit was marked by the adoption of several pivotal resolutions that are anticipated to exert a beneficial influence on the dynamics within the Turkic commonwealth, as well as on neighbouring countries and regions.

Charter for Turkic Peace and Other Decisions

The Charter of the Turkic World was introduced as a primary document. It outlines the fundamental principles of interaction among the states in this format and reflects a shared vision for multilateral integration. In addition, a number of resolutions were passed, including the adoption of a "green" vision for the Turkic world, which emphasises unity for a sustainable future; the designation of Bishkek as the digital capital of the Turkic World for 2025; and the conferral of the Order of the Turkic World, the organisation's highest honour, upon Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

Moreover, a number of resolutions were passed with the objective of optimizing the operational framework of the OTS. This included the appointment of Deputy Secretaries General and the approval of regulations pertaining to the status of permanent representatives of the OTS. Additionally, new symbols were adopted, including flags for the Turkic Cooperation Organizations.

Notably, the participants of the summit resolved to acknowledge the contributions of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to the advancement of this format. Although Hungary is an observer of the OTS, its leader has demonstrated consistent attendance at summits and has exhibited unwavering support for the decisions made. Notwithstanding the considerable pressure from EU colleagues regarding Hungary's independent foreign policy, Orbán continues to enjoy considerable authority within the Turkic world. Hungary is regarded as a conduit between the EU and Turkic countries, with Orbán's initiatives regarded as instrumental in bolstering the organisation's influence on the global stage. The award serves as a testament to the Turkic countries' unwavering support for his political course of action and sends a clear message to those attempting to isolate him on the international stage. The Turkic community continues to extend an open hand to him.

Aliyev's Messages for the Turkic World

As is customary, the addresses delivered by the leaders of member and observer countries at the summit included significant appraisals of the organization's activities and initiatives aimed at fortifying ties among countries. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev underscored the imperative to reinforce the institutional framework of the OTS and enhance its efficacy, which he deems inadequate to confront the prevailing challenges. To this end, the government of Baku has indicated its willingness to provide financial support, with an initial allocation of $2 million earmarked for the functioning of the OTS Secretariat and an additional $100,000 designated for the Council of Elders.

Furthermore, Aliyev underscored the necessity of enhancing collaboration in matters pertaining to security. In light of the considerable geopolitical tensions that have emerged along the borders of the OTS member states, there is a distinct possibility that these countries may become directly involved in conflicts. Notwithstanding their status as members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Türkiye and Hungary have adopted a stance of non-involvement in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. This is despite the fact that both countries have maintained diplomatic relations with both Moscow and Kiev. This is also the case with other OTS countries. Nevertheless, the importance of security cooperation within the organization remains, as there are ongoing attempts to involve these nations in conflicts under various pretexts.

The Azerbaijani president observed that collaboration among law enforcement and security agencies of OTS member states has recently expanded. He also noted that military exercises involving the armed forces of member countries are currently underway. Aliyev underscored the significance of training cadets from allied countries at the military educational institutions, emphasizing the importance of mutual trust and friendship. In the wake of Azerbaijan's triumph in the 44-day conflict, Baku has emerged as a source of inspiration, fostering constructive engagement among representatives of Turkic military blocs.

Furthermore, Aliyev indicated that the volume of traffic along the East-West transport corridor through Azerbaijan has increased considerably. Furthermore, he observed that from January to September 2024, there was a nearly 15% increase in transit traffic between OTS member and observer states in comparison to the same period in 2023. He posited that initiatives designed to digitize and streamline trade along the Middle Corridor will render this route more cost-effective and appealing.

Aliyev recalled that Azerbaijan fully restored its sovereignty in September of the previous year and acknowledged the substantial support provided by Turkic countries (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan) and Hungary during the restoration of territories liberated from occupation. Additionally, he reminded his colleagues that Azerbaijan will host the COP29 climate conference in the near future and extended an invitation to them to visit Baku for the event.

Kazakhstan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan: Similar Positions and Common Goals

In his address, Kazakhstan's President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev placed a particular emphasis on the importance of economic cooperation. He observed that over the past decade, economic ties among OTS members have exhibited a notable degree of strengthening. It is anticipated that the mutual trade turnover will exceed $45 billion in 2024, with the potential for further growth.

It is important to note that the total value of mutual trade turnover, as indicated by data published by national statistical services, is approximately $30 billion. Nevertheless, it is possible that Tokayev may have been referencing a different set of data, namely that which includes Hungary's trade with Turkic nations, which exceeds $5 billion.

Tokayev underscored the importance of transport and communication networks in facilitating trade and economic cooperation. He further emphasized that the signing of an Agreement on Partnership in the Digital Economy would be of paramount importance for the OTS countries and proposed the organization of a mutual broadcasting of cable TV channels with the objective of creating a unified information space within the Turkic world. This is not the first occasion on which Astana has proposed the establishment of a unified information and telecommunications network. Previously, the idea of creating a unified media platform was put forward, and this is currently being actively pursued.

In his remarks, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan highlighted the impact of Turkic cooperation on regional and global politics. He welcomed the progress made in the negotiations between Baku and Yerevan and urged the Turkic nations to adopt a definitive stance regarding the events in Gaza. "Despite overcoming numerous challenges, there is still a considerable distance to be traversed. Erdogan asserted that every effort would be made to ensure that the forthcoming period becomes the "Centenary of Turkic Peace."

Similarly, Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed comparable sentiments in his address. To further strengthen the bond between Turkic nations, he put forth the idea of establishing a treaty on strategic partnership, eternal friendship, and brotherhood among Turkic states. Such a document would facilitate more effective interaction and collaboration in the realms of politics and security, while also promoting a unified position on international issues based on shared interests.

In his remarks on international policy, Mirziyoyev voiced concerns about the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and drew attention to the double standards that have been observed in the assessment of these situations. His perspective on the humanitarian crises in Gaza and Lebanon was in close alignment with that of the Turkish leadership. Both Uzbek and Turkish representatives expressed condemnation of actions that seek to restrict the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.

From Kyrgyzstan to Hungary: Strengthening Unity

The positions articulated by Turkish and Uzbek leaders were also endorsed by the heads of other states participating in the summit, ultimately reflected in the final declaration. The declaration posits that an independent State of Palestine must be established as a resolution to this long-standing conflict. This resolution must be based on international instruments and resolutions, with East Jerusalem designated as the capital city and situated along the borders that existed in 1967.

Furthermore, the document addressed matters pertaining to economic collaboration. The document places particular emphasis on the establishment of a Council of Central Banks among OTS members, as well as on cooperation within the context of digital economies. Furthermore, the document addresses the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the objective of fostering collaboration in space activities, as well as the establishment of a memorandum pertaining to the development of a comprehensive language model for the Organisation of Turkic States.

It is also worth noting that bilateral negotiations between heads of state took place during the course of this summit. In one such meeting, Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Zhaparov and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán discussed the possibility of holding an informal summit of the OTS in Budapest in 2025. Zhaparov indicated that the government of Bishkek supports the initiative proposed by Budapest during its tenure as chair of the OTS.

In conclusion, it is essential to note that participants continue to prioritize the strengthening of organizational structures within the OTS. The appointment of permanent representatives will facilitate enhanced coordination among member states and facilitate more efficacious decision-making processes that are aligned with the interests of the participating states.