BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 17. The aims
going through the Group of Turkic States (OTS) are now not
restricted solely to preserving cultural and humanitarian ties. The
group is evolving into an important platform the place political,
financial, vitality, transport, and safety pursuits throughout an unlimited
geography are harmonized; Azerbaijan’s function on this course of is
clearly evident within the approaches outlined by President Ilham
Aliyev in his latest tackle. Baku’s simultaneous internet hosting of
non secular leaders and heads of safety companies from OTS nations
demonstrates Azerbaijan’s standing throughout the group as a
dependable platform, an initiator, and an energetic accomplice.
Baku turns into key venue for dialogue inside
OTS
Current occasions in Baku are of specific significance in
assessing Azerbaijan’s function throughout the OTS. Simply days in the past,
non secular leaders representing the group’s member states
have been acquired by President Ilham Aliyev, adopted by a gathering in
Baku of the heads of safety councils from OTS member states for
the council’s fifth assembly. The truth that these occasions occurred
in the identical location inside a brief timeframe must be considered not
merely as a coincidence of the diplomatic calendar, however as an
indication of the systematic and multifaceted relationship
established between Azerbaijan and the OTS. It is not merely a
matter of internet hosting occasions right here. The agenda of discussions throughout the
framework of the OTS covers a broad spectrum, starting from
worldwide relations and safety to multiculturalism, commerce,
transport, and humanitarian cooperation. On this regard, Baku’s
emergence as a dependable venue for discussing various points
highlights the multifaceted nature of Azerbaijan’s place inside
the group.
The present stature of the OTS is the logical final result of its
improvement historical past. The group was based on the historic
Summit held in Nakhchivan in 2009. At that summit, Azerbaijan,
Türkiye, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan signed the Nakhchivan Settlement
on the Institution of the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Talking
States. The settlement entered into power in November 2010, and the
group’s institutional framework was subsequently expanded.
In keeping with the OTS itself, the casual Summit held in Shusha in
2024 additionally marked a big milestone within the group’s
improvement.
At present, the first strategic objective is to remodel the OTS right into a
main worldwide group. To attain this, alongside the
political will of the member states, there exists vital
potential by way of their financial, geographic, vitality,
transport, and human sources. President Ilham Aliyev’s tackle
highlighted the strategic intention of extra successfully harnessing this
potential and consolidating it right into a unified power.
New format originating in Shusha: annual assembly not
sufficient
One in all Azerbaijan’s initiatives for the event of the OTS
is the holding of casual summits for heads of state. Though
conventional summits are held commonly, the group decided
that, given the quickly altering worldwide panorama, a single
annual gathering of heads of state was inadequate. Consequently,
a proposal was made to determine a further casual assembly
format—an initiative that was realized with the help of accomplice
nations. The inaugural assembly of this type occurred in Shusha,
and the format has since continued in different nations.
The selection of Shusha holds specific political and symbolic
significance. The 2024 Shusha Summit served as a platform for
discussions on the OTS agenda relating to transport, connectivity,
and local weather motion, ensuing within the adoption of key paperwork,
together with the Karabakh Declaration. An official assertion from the
OTS describes the assembly held in Shusha as a big milestone
in strengthening the group’s cooperation and the unity of
the Turkic world.
Thus, Azerbaijan’s initiative goes past merely establishing a
new assembly format. The first goal is to foster a political
dialogue throughout the OTS that’s extra dynamic, responsive, and
sustained.
Vitality and transport safety improve the
geopolitical weight of the OTS
The huge geographical expanse spanned by the OTS member states
grants the group a big benefit. Vitality and
transport routes of significant significance—not solely to the member states
but additionally to the broader area—traverse this territory.
Consequently, assessing the function of the OTS solely throughout the
context of political and humanitarian cooperation fails to totally
mirror the group’s true potential.
President Ilham Aliyev’s method presents vitality safety and
transport connectivity as integral elements of total safety
as a result of long-term regional stability and financial improvement are
tough to realize with out the dependable provide of vitality
sources and the connectivity required for the safe
transportation of products. That is additionally linked to the rising
curiosity—in each the western and jap elements of the OTS house—in
the group’s function relating to connectivity, transport, vitality
safety, and basic safety.
Pure sources are additionally a big issue on this context.
OTS nations possess huge pure sources, and these sources
play a job in making certain the financial resilience of states, the
well-being of peoples, and, in a broader sense, the soundness of
the worldwide economic system. The significance of vitality safety is additional
heightened, notably at a time when complicated geopolitical
conditions exist alongside state borders.
Azerbaijan holds a particular place on this system because of its
geographical location. On one hand, the nation acts as a provider
of vitality sources to world markets; on the opposite, it makes use of
its transit capabilities to move vitality sources originating
from Central Asian nations—by way of the Caspian Sea—to worldwide
markets. Its location on the crossroads of Europe and Asia,
mixed with shut ties to Türkiye and the Central Asian member
states of the OTS, additional enhances the function Azerbaijan performs in
vitality and transport safety initiatives.
On this context, transport and vitality initiatives should not merely
financial endeavors for Azerbaijan; in addition they function devices
for strengthening strategic connectivity throughout the OTS area.
Bilateral relations kind the spine of
multilateral cooperation throughout the OTS
One other essential side of strengthening the OTS is the deepening
of bilateral relations amongst member states. Azerbaijan pursues an
energetic coverage on this space as effectively. The quite a few visits by
President Ilham Aliyev to OTS nations, in addition to visits by the
leaders of these states to Azerbaijan, show the depth of
the mutual political dialogue.
Azerbaijan has signed treaties and declarations on alliance with
Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. These paperwork
mirror the excessive political degree of bilateral relations and lay the
groundwork for creating cooperation in particular areas.
Parallel processes are additionally underway within the financial sphere.
Azerbaijan has established joint funding funds with Kazakhstan,
Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, and work continues on attracting and
mobilizing mutual investments. These mechanisms allow political
relations to be complemented by financial substance.
This method is underpinned by considered one of Azerbaijan’s international
coverage priorities. As President Ilham Aliyev has said, the Turkic
world represents a household house for Azerbaijan, and creating
relations with this area is a key course of its international
coverage. Consequently, cooperation with the OTS isn’t an remoted
or sporadic component of Azerbaijan’s international coverage, however reasonably an
integral a part of a broader strategic course.
Shared ethnic roots complement political and
financial cooperation
One of many options distinguishing the OTS from different
worldwide organizations is the existence of shared ethnic,
historic, cultural, and linguistic ties amongst its members. Given
that such organizations should not widespread within the worldwide
system, the non secular basis possessed by the OTS represents a
vital benefit.
Whereas political and financial pursuits could kind the premise of
interstate relations, the historic and cultural affinity current
between peoples renders these relations extra enduring. Shared
linguistic parts, cultural similarities, frequent ethnic roots,
and non secular closeness create further alternatives for
strengthening solidarity throughout the OTS. These components allow the
group to evolve not merely right into a mechanism for
intergovernmental cooperation, but additionally right into a platform for
fostering connections between peoples.
This unity may function one of many ideological pillars for
the long run improvement of the OTS. Nonetheless, the important thing lies in
approaching the preservation of nationwide identification and non secular
values not as a way of confrontation with different nations, however as
a technique to reinforce the member states’ dedication to their very own
historic and cultural heritage.
Stability ranks among the many financial benefits of OTS
house
In in the present day’s worldwide system, stability and safety should not
merely political points; they’re additionally basic stipulations
for financial improvement. It’s tough to draw a gentle move
of funding, expertise, and innovation to a rustic missing
political and financial stability. On this regard, sustaining
stability throughout the OTS area is a key issue that enhances the
group’s improvement potential.
As famous in President Ilham Aliyev’s tackle, the expansion of
industrial manufacturing, constructive financial indicators, and the
stability of economic methods throughout the OTS area stand out
towards a world backdrop of financial stagnation, decline, and
numerous socio-economic challenges. This dynamic is important for
strengthening the financial capabilities of the member states.
On the assembly held in Baku, OTS Secretary Common Kubanychbek
Omuraliev additionally offered knowledge relating to the financial potential of
the group’s area. In keeping with him, the combination GDP of
the OTS area stands at $2.4 trillion, a determine that locations it
roughly twelfth globally. In the meantime, the group’s commerce turnover
quantities to $1.7 trillion. These figures show that the OTS is
not merely a political and cultural union, but additionally a area with
immense financial potential.
The mixture of financial alternatives with political
stability, vitality sources, and transport connections creates
further grounds for enhancing the function of the OTS within the
worldwide system.
Youth points characterize a long-term dimension of
safety
One of many key components shaping the way forward for the OTS is the set
of values that mould the youthful technology. The comparatively younger
populations of the member states and the noticed demographic
progress represent a big benefit for the group. At
a time when considerations relating to speedy inhabitants decline are
mounting in plenty of nations, the other development noticed
throughout the OTS area fosters vital human capital for the
future.
Nonetheless, a demographic benefit doesn’t routinely
translate into an financial one. Inhabitants progress should be
accompanied by energetic financial insurance policies, the growth of social
infrastructure, and the creation of latest jobs. In any other case, speedy
progress may result in sure financial and social challenges.
President Ilham Aliyev’s speech highlighted the constructive dynamics
noticed in addressing points associated to financial progress and social
welfare throughout OTS nations.
One other side of the youth concern considerations nationwide
self-awareness and ethical values. A shared attribute of OTS
nations is their dedication to their nationwide and ethical
ideas. On this regard, elevating the youthful technology in a
spirit of patriotism and dedication to nationwide ideas and
ethical values isn’t merely a matter of upbringing; it’s a
strategic precedence linked to the long-term stability of states.
The inspiration of Azerbaijan’s youth coverage was established
throughout the framework of the state coverage initiated by the Nationwide
Chief Heydar Aliyev. Key features of this coverage embrace paying
consideration to and caring for younger folks, creating circumstances for
their improvement, strengthening their function and standing in
society, and fostering a spirit of patriotism.
This method can be superior on the degree of the OTS. It
is important to contain younger folks in processes not merely as
topics of selections made about them, however as energetic contributors
whose views and positions are heard. Gathering their enter,
bringing collectively youth from numerous nations, and increasing their
mutual interactions can strengthen the group’s future social
basis.
Idea of safety now not restricted to army
threats alone
The growth of the OTS safety agenda holds a particular place
in Azerbaijan’s personal agenda. The continuation of wars in surrounding
areas, the growth of their geographical scope, and the
more and more overt nature of the conflicts deliver the difficulty of
regional safety to the forefront. This actuality is of specific
significance for Azerbaijan; the presence of states engaged in
warfare to each the nation’s north and south heightens the
sensitivity of the safety setting.
In such a scenario, the necessity to strengthen coordination amongst
the safety constructions of the OTS nations turns into obvious.
Info trade, notably the sharing of operational
intelligence, joint motion, coordination towards current threats,
and the proactive identification and prevention of potential dangers
should grow to be core parts of the safety system.
On this context, the agenda of the fifth assembly of Safety
Councils held in Baku isn’t any coincidence, both. The gathering of
safety companies facilitates not solely the dialogue of present
challenges but additionally the comparability of experiences throughout totally different
nations, the identification of vulnerabilities, and the refinement
of mechanisms to stop threats. In keeping with data launched
by the Secretary Common of the OTS, the latest holding of a number of
high-level conferences throughout the group’s area—protecting
safety and different areas—demonstrates the growth of this agenda.
Conferences of inside ministers in Astana (Kazakhstan) and
prosecutors basic in Turkistan have taken place; non secular
leaders have been acquired by President Ilham Aliyev two days previous to
the assembly in Baku; and a gathering of protection business chiefs is
scheduled for October 1. It was additionally famous that 63 mechanisms and
platforms, starting from international coverage to tradition, function inside
the framework of the OTS.
These figures and occasions point out that OTS cooperation isn’t any
longer restricted to conferences between heads of state; reasonably,
multi-level mechanisms for interplay amongst numerous authorities
companies have been established.
Ideological threats create new safety
agenda
Within the trendy period, threats to state safety should not restricted to
border violations or bodily assaults. Ideological influences
exerted by way of the data house, media, social platforms, and
numerous communication channels may affect the inner
stability of states.
President Ilham Aliyev’s speech emphasizes the significance of a
joint battle towards these threats. The main focus right here is on
stopping ideological provocations that run counter to the
pursuits of nations and peoples. Specific consideration is drawn
to affect exerted by way of media shops reportedly funded by
facilities situated far past nationwide borders. In keeping with the
method offered by President Ilham Aliyev, such financing may
serve the goals of undermining the state construction, disrupting
social solidarity, and instilling narratives and values alien to
society.
In keeping with Azerbaijan’s place, efforts to counter such
dangers should be undertaken to safeguard nationwide pursuits and the
constitutional order. President Ilham Aliyev has said that energetic
measures are being taken on this regard in Azerbaijan and that
vital outcomes have been achieved.
It was additionally famous that “anti-national” networks working inside
Azerbaijan—allegedly directed and funded from overseas—are rejected
by the overwhelming majority of society. A key level right here is that adherence
to nationwide values, traditions, and methods of life stands because the
prevailing development in Azerbaijani society.
Nonetheless, the truth that these threats are being countered does
not imply they’ve been fully eradicated. Quite the opposite,
given the potential for continued makes an attempt to destabilize the
scenario, preventive mechanisms should be always
strengthened.
Major goal: to guard youth from
informational and ideological threats
Youth is considered a very susceptible group relating to
the difficulty of ideological safety. As famous in President Ilham
Aliyev’s speech, the youthful technology—which remains to be in its
formative stage and extra inclined to manipulation—is a major
goal of exterior actions geared toward undermining state pursuits.
Due to this fact, youth coverage throughout the framework of the OTS
(Group of Turkic States) will be approached not merely as a
matter of social and cultural cooperation, however as a difficulty of
long-term safety.
On this regard, it’s proposed to broaden interplay among the many
youth organizations of OTS member states and to carry common
boards, conferences, and different occasions. The intention is to facilitate
direct communication amongst younger folks from totally different nations,
improve their data of shared historical past and tradition, and guarantee
that the bonds between kindred nations are preserved throughout the new
technology.
Such an method serves as greater than only a means to counter
ideological influences; it’s also a long-term mechanism for
shaping the human capital that may underpin the OTS’s future
political, financial, and social ties. Fostering nearer mutual
understanding amongst younger folks can create a social basis for
future cooperation in enterprise, science, schooling, expertise,
tradition, and different fields.
New section for OTS: remodeling current potential
into tangible power
The duty going through the OTS nations isn’t merely to enumerate
current alternatives, however to translate them into concrete outcomes
by way of coordinated coverage. Elements comparable to vitality sources,
transport corridors, a good geographic location, financial
potential, a younger inhabitants, a shared historical-cultural
heritage, and political will will be considered not as remoted
benefits, however as parts of a unified strategic system.
Azerbaijan’s place on this course of is especially
noteworthy. The nation acts as each an vitality producer and a
transit state; it’s located on the crossroads of Europe and Asia;
it actively cooperates with Central Asian nations and Türkiye; and
it spearheads numerous political and institutional initiatives
throughout the OTS.
The emphasis positioned by the Kazakh facet—through the assembly in
Baku—on the event of Trans-Caspian infrastructure and the
significance of the Center Hall underscores the sensible
significance of this course. Aida Balayeva, Deputy Chair of the
Safety Council of Kazakhstan, highlighted the significance of
financial cooperation with Azerbaijan, Trans-Caspian infrastructure,
and the undertaking to determine a fiber-optic communication hyperlink
throughout the mattress of the Caspian Sea. President Ilham Aliyev famous
that the fiber-optic cable undertaking is nearing completion and holds
vital significance for Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan relations as effectively
as for the broader area, together with the OTS house.
These information show that cooperation throughout the OTS isn’t
restricted to political declarations however can be bolstered by
tangible infrastructure initiatives.
Expertise of independence shapes shared political
reminiscence
For a big variety of OTS nations, the restoration of
independence represents a comparatively latest stage of their trendy
statehood historical past. As President Ilham Aliyev identified, setting
apart their historic statehood legacies, the trendy statehood of
most member nations spans roughly 35 years. Azerbaijan
restored its state independence in 1991; Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan,
and Uzbekistan additionally regained their independence throughout the identical
interval.
Every of those nations confronted distinctive challenges on its
post-independence path of improvement. Azerbaijan, too, has
navigated complicated trials. Nonetheless, as emphasised within the President’s
speech, this section has been each difficult and honorable; having
emerged from probably the most complicated trials, the nations now discover
themselves ready the place they’ve left behind a big
portion of the worldwide issues they as soon as confronted.
This expertise varieties one other basis for political
solidarity throughout the OTS. The significance of the historical past of
statehood, independence, and the preservation of nationwide
sovereignty constitutes a vital component of the shared political
reminiscence for the group’s member states.
Azerbaijan’s method: safety and improvement
inseparable
The overarching logic of President Ilham Aliyev’s tackle
relating to the OTS highlights two complementary instructions: safety
and improvement. With out safety, it’s unimaginable to create a
sustainable setting for financial improvement, funding,
expertise, and innovation. On the similar time, the growth of
financial alternatives and the strengthening of transport and
vitality connections are components that reinforce the soundness of
states and societies.
For that reason, the method Azerbaijan advocates throughout the
framework of the OTS is predicated not solely on a political and safety
agenda but additionally on financial and humanitarian elements. Enhancing
the group’s worldwide standing, strengthening vitality and
transport corridors, deepening bilateral relations, rising
mutual investments, increasing ties amongst youth, and strengthening
coordination towards ideological threats are all sides of the identical
strategic image.
Baku’s latest internet hosting of non secular leaders and high-ranking
safety officers from the OTS serves as a sensible manifestation
of this method. The group’s agenda is steadily increasing,
with mechanisms throughout numerous fields complementing each other. As
famous by the Secretary Common of the OTS, there are at present 63
mechanisms and platforms—starting from international coverage to
tradition—the place not solely are conferences held, however concrete selections
are adopted and duties set by the leaders are applied.
Major job forward: remodeling potential right into a
main worldwide power
The OTS now faces a extra complicated stage of improvement. The
group’s potential—encompassing political, financial,
geographic, vitality, transport, and human capital belongings—creates a
strong basis for it to play a higher function within the worldwide
system. Nonetheless, remodeling this potential into tangible energy
requires coordination, mutual belief, and sustained cooperation on
concrete initiatives amongst member states.
On this course of, Azerbaijan positions itself not merely as one
of the member states, however as a rustic that advances initiatives,
organizes dialogue throughout numerous codecs, and serves as a key hyperlink
connecting the OTS area by way of its vitality and transport
capabilities.
On this regard, Azerbaijan’s stance is evident: creating ties
with the Turkic world is a high international coverage precedence, and the OTS
serves because the multilateral institutional platform for this coverage.
Strengthening the group is considered as a plan of action that
aligns not solely with Azerbaijan’s nationwide pursuits but additionally with
the shared pursuits of all member states. In the end, the long run
of the OTS will rely not solely on the shared historical past and cultural
affinity of its members but additionally on the extent to which this
affinity interprets into trendy statehood, financial cooperation,
vitality safety, transport connectivity, and collective safety
mechanisms. The method put ahead by Azerbaijan is aimed
exactly at facilitating this transition.
The central theme of President Ilham Aliyev’s tackle is that
the OTS nations possess shared pursuits throughout an unlimited geography,
vital financial and vitality potential, very important transport
capabilities, a younger inhabitants, historical-cultural ties, and the
political will to cooperate. Coordinating these sources may
additional strengthen the group’s worldwide standing.
The target forward is clearly outlined: to remodel the
Group of Turkic States into a number one worldwide
establishment by way of joint efforts. Azerbaijan’s function on this
course of is grounded in taking the initiative, appearing as a dependable
accomplice, and offering a platform for regional and worldwide
cooperation. The successive conferences in Baku, the casual summit
format launched in Shusha, vitality and transport initiatives, bilateral
alliance relations, funding funds, and rising coordination in
the safety sphere show {that a} broad institutional and
sensible basis for this goal has already been
established.
