Leaders of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) gathered in the Kazakh city of Turkistan for an informal summit focused on strengthening cooperation in trade, transport, energy and regional connectivity as the bloc seeks to expand its geopolitical and economic influence across Eurasia.
The meeting brought together member states including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye and Uzbekistan at a time when shifting global trade patterns and intensifying geopolitical competition are increasing the strategic importance of Central Asia and the Caucasus.
Analysts say the summit reflects how the OTS, once largely viewed as a cultural and linguistic platform, is steadily evolving into a more coordinated regional grouping with broader economic and strategic ambitions.
Zhanat Momynkulov, senior lecturer at the Eurasian National University, said the choice of Turkistan as the host city carried symbolic significance for the Turkic world.
“Integration projects also need moral foundation,” he said. “Turkistan carries exactly this kind of meaning for Turkic nations.”
He added that the city’s historical connection to the revered Turkic scholar and Sufi poet Khoja Ahmed Yasawi helped create “not only a good-willing political atmosphere but also emotional connection among leaders.”
A key focus of the summit was the development of the Middle Corridor, a trade and transport route linking China to Europe through Central Asia, the Caspian Sea, the South Caucasus and Türkiye.
The corridor has attracted growing attention in recent years as governments and businesses seek alternatives to routes affected by geopolitical instability and supply chain disruptions.
Momynkulov described the route as “the material backbone of the Turkic integration.”
“The Middle Corridor increases the strategic value of the Turkic states as a transit and logistics hub between Europe and China,” he said.
The route has become particularly important for Azerbaijan, which has invested heavily in railways, ports and logistics infrastructure to strengthen east-west connectivity across the Caspian region.
Founded in 2009, the Organisation of Turkic States initially focused on cultural and linguistic cooperation among Turkic-speaking countries.
However, recent summits have increasingly prioritised economic integration, energy cooperation, digitalisation and strategic coordination.
“Now we see that this organisation is transforming from merely symbolic or cultural into some pragmatic platform,” Momynkulov said.
He noted that the organisation’s agenda now includes “trade, logistics, digitalisation, AI and energy and technological cooperation.”
The growing international visibility of the bloc has also drawn attention from major powers navigating an increasingly fragmented geopolitical environment.
Despite this, Momynkulov stressed that the organisation should not be seen as targeting any country or alliance.
“The OTS is not anti-Russian, not anti-Chinese or anti-Western,” he said. “It is an attempt of Turkic states to strengthen regional peaceful coordination, connectivity and strategic autonomy.”
President Ilham Aliyev attended the summit, where discussions also highlighted Azerbaijan’s role in regional transport and diplomacy.
Momynkulov described Azerbaijan as “one of the most active intellectual centres and influential members” of the organisation.
“Without Azerbaijan, the idea of continuous Turkic connectivity space across the Caspian would be much more difficult to realise,” he said.
He added that Baku now plays “an important role in shaping the organisation’s strategic directions, plans and expertise.”
As geopolitical tensions continue to reshape trade routes and regional alliances, the Organisation of Turkic States is increasingly positioning itself as a bridge between Europe and Asia through economic cooperation and connectivity initiatives.
U.S. and Iranian officials said they had agreed on a framework to end their war, halt the U.S. blockade of Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a pre...
Curaçao celebrate first World Cup goal despite heavy defeat against Germany, Sweden move to top of Group F with five-goal display and Japan fight...
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Monday he would ban social media sites for under-16s and impose restrictions on gaming and livestreaming p...
Monday 15th June, marks the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Shusha Declaration, a landmark agreement that formally elevated relations between ...
The stepson of Norway's Crown Prince Haakon has been found guilty of two counts of rape as well as domestic violence and other crimes and is sentenced...
Curaçao celebrate first World Cup goal despite heavy defeat against Germany, Sweden move to top of Group F with five-goal display and Japan fight back twice to hold Netherlands.
Monday 15th June, marks the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Shusha Declaration, a landmark agreement that formally elevated relations between Azerbaijan and Türkiye to the level of an alliance and further strengthened the long-standing ties between the two nations.
Türkiye and Saudi Arabia are aiming to establish a railway connection linking the two countries through Syria and Jordan within the next three to four years, according to Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.
As football supporters around the world follow the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a group of young women in Gaza are fighting a very different battle - rebuilding their lives through the sport they love after losing limbs during the war.
Details of a reported draft memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran offer the clearest picture yet of how both sides plan to end months of conflict and move towards a longer-term settlement.
Pakistan has warned that any attempt by India to block or significantly reduce river flows under the Indus Waters Treaty could have “far-reaching consequences”, after India's water minister said New Delhi was working to ensure that “not a single drop” of water reaches Pakistan in the coming years.
Armenia has every right to choose Europe. But Europe’s support for Armenia’s direction should not become automatic approval of its political process.
The U.S. and Iran say they have reached a deal to end their conflict, with an immediate ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade. Talks will continue over the next 60 days to finalise the agreement
U.S. President Donald Trump has said a peace agreement with Iran is scheduled to be signed on Sunday in a post on social media, despite Tehran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying no deal would be approved this weekend.
Monday 15th June, marks the fifth anniversary of the signing of the Shusha Declaration, a landmark agreement that formally elevated relations between Azerbaijan and Türkiye to the level of an alliance and further strengthened the long-standing ties between the two nations.
Türkiye and Saudi Arabia are aiming to establish a railway connection linking the two countries through Syria and Jordan within the next three to four years, according to Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu.
As football supporters around the world follow the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a group of young women in Gaza are fighting a very different battle - rebuilding their lives through the sport they love after losing limbs during the war.
At least six Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes and gunfire across the Gaza Strip on Sunday, 14 June, according to local health officials, as mediators intensified efforts to keep fragile ceasefire negotiations alive.
Senior officials from Azerbaijan and Armenia held a working meeting in Dilijan, Armenia, on 14 June to discuss issues related to the peace agenda between the two countries.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment