The Century of the Turkic World: From Solidarity to Integration

The unity of the Turkic world is the strongest manifestation of the deep-rooted legacy we have inherited from our shared history and our determination to shape our common future. The bridges of affection that have united our brotherly peoples across different geographies and through countless trials over the centuries today form the solid foundations of our political, people-to-people, economic and cultural solidarity under the umbrella of the Organisation of Turkic States. It is our collective historic responsibility to harness the immense potential of the Turkic world in pursuit of common objectives, consolidate our unity through tangible achievements and bequeath a stronger Turkic world to future generations.

I regard the 13th Summit of the Organisation of Turkic States, which we will host in Ankara under the theme “The Turkic Century: Unity in Language, Thought and Action”, as an important gathering that will further reinforce this shared determination. I also consider Türkiye's assumption of the chairmanship from our brotherly Azerbaijan at the Summit a historic responsibility in terms of advancing the common objectives of the Turkic world and strengthening the institutional capacity of our Organisation.

The ideal of unity bequeathed to us by Ismail Gaspıralı remains a source of inspiration guiding the activities of the Organisation of Turkic States. Building on the foundations laid in Nakhchivan, our Organisation grows more effective with each passing day, drawing strength from our shared history and culture. The time has come to reinforce our brotherhood through strong institutions that will carry it forward to future generations and translate our collective determination into lasting achievements through concrete projects.

World politics is undergoing a profound transformation. As the international system struggles to uphold justice and build trust, and wars and crises affect vast regions, solidarity among the Turkic states has become a strategic imperative. United by a common resolve, the Turkic states possess the strength to overcome even the most formidable challenges and determine their own future. The unity of the Turkic world rests upon respect for the sovereignty, independence and national will of each of our brotherly countries. This unity will be built upon mutual trust and shared interests, as well as common values.

The economic integration of the Turkic world is among the foremost priorities to which our Organisation must devote particular attention in the period ahead. In this regard, the Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor presents a historic opportunity. At a time when trade between Asia and Europe is being reshaped, the geography of the Turkic world has the potential to become one of the major hubs of global transport and logistics networks. We are developing our railways, ports, road connections and customs systems as complementary components of an integrated network. Every investment connecting the two shores of the Caspian Sea will expand trade among our brotherly countries and contribute to our shared prosperity.

To this end, we will make more effective use of the Turkic Investment Fund, work together to overcome barriers to trade among our countries and reinforce one another's strengths in production and investment. We will make the most effective use of our energy resources, renewable energy potential and communications infrastructure in pursuit of our common objectives. By mobilising opportunities across the Turkic world towards shared goals, we will collectively build upon our achievements in production, trade and technology.

We are extending the solidarity we have established in the economic sphere to the field of security with the same determination. By pooling our resources in the face of terrorism, transnational crime, cyber threats and natural disasters, we will strengthen our capacity to act together. We will bring together our expertise in the defence industry, develop our indigenous and national technologies and increase our joint production capacity.

However, the most precious foundation of our unity is our shared consciousness of civilisation. The wisdom of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, the words of Ali-Shir Nava'i, the spiritual insight of Nizami Ganjavi, the verses of Magtymguly Pyragy, the language of the heart of Yunus Emre and the pen of Chingiz Aitmatov are all symbols of the richness of the same great civilisation, transcending geographical boundaries and illuminating its future.

The will expressed regarding a common Turkic alphabet represents a historic step towards greater cultural rapprochement. We will take this step further through our cooperation in education, science, publishing and digital technologies. We will encourage our young people to pursue education in brotherly countries, bring our universities and scientists together and ensure that the Turkic languages take their rightful place in the age of artificial intelligence. By bringing together our knowledge, expertise and resources, we will shape the future of the Turkic world through our collective efforts.

This ancient civilisation places on us the responsibility to uphold our brotherhood under all circumstances and protect one another's rights and interests. It is with this understanding that we continue our solidarity with the Turkish Cypriot people, an inseparable part of the Turkic world. We attach great importance to expanding the opportunities afforded by the observer status of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus within our Organisation and strengthening its ties with brotherly countries. We will maintain our resolute stance towards ending the unjust isolation imposed upon the Turkish Cypriots and securing recognition of their sovereign equality and equal international status.

Strengthening the Organisation of Turkic States will also serve to consolidate peace and mutual trust across our shared geography. Through its approach based on cooperation and solidarity, our Organisation will continue to contribute to regional and global stability.

The principal task facing the Organisation of Turkic States is to translate our shared determination into lasting achievements in the economic, political, cultural and technological spheres. Our strength will be further reinforced as the ambitious objectives we have set are translated into tangible benefits for the peace, prosperity and development of our brotherly peoples.

I wholeheartedly believe that the 21st century will be the “Century of the Turkic World”. The Ankara Summit will open new horizons towards this objective, enhance our Organisation's influence on the international stage and further strengthen solidarity among our brotherly countries. Our greatest duty is to crown the ideal of unity that we have cherished in our hearts for centuries with enduring achievements and bequeath to future generations a Turkic world that is more powerful in every respect.