Tokayev highlights importance of sovereignty and unity among Turkic states at OTS Summit

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the 13th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Ankara. The Head of State emphasised that cooperation among Turkic countries should be based on respect for the sovereignty and national interests of each member state, El.kz reports citing Akorda.

Tokayev described the OTS as a unique organisation that contributes to strengthening the unity of the Turkic world.

According to him, the organisation provides a platform for states to expand cooperation while maintaining their respective national priorities.

“Our principle is respect for the sovereignty and national interests of our brotherly countries. The Turkic world remains united and is confidently moving towards its shared goals through joint efforts,” the President stated.

The Summit is being held under the theme “The Century of the Turkic World: Unity in Language, Thought and Action”. The occasion carries particular significance as it coincides with the centenary of the First Turkological Congress, held in Baku in 1926.

At that time, scholars and representatives of the intellectual communities discussed issues relating to language, writing systems, history and the cultural heritage of Turkic peoples.

“A century ago, the intellectual elite of our brotherly countries gathered in Baku and joined their intellectual resources in pursuit of a common goal: preserving and further enriching our spiritual unity,” Tokayev noted.

Kazakhstan’s position on the OTS was also outlined at the previous Summit in Turkistan. On that occasion, the President emphasised that the organisation was not a military alliance. He identified economic cooperation, trade, digital technologies and cultural and humanitarian ties as the organisation’s key priorities.

These areas also remain central to Kazakhstan’s bilateral relations with Türkiye. During his current visit, Tokayev held talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The two sides discussed the expansion of trade, investment promotion, transport and logistics, energy, AI, agriculture and cultural exchanges.

As part of the Summit programme, the leaders of the Turkic states also inaugurated the Alley of the Turkic World in Ankara’s Beştepe Park. National pavilions representing Kazakhstan, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have been established there, showcasing the history and cultural traditions of these countries.

In his address, Tokayev linked the further development of cooperation to the preservation of shared historical heritage and the strengthening of ties among Turkic peoples.