Turkic Council Leaders Meet in Bishkek

A meeting of the government leaders of Turkic Council (TCT) member states has begun in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz Cabinet of Ministers reported. Prior to the event, Adylbek Kasymaliyev, the Chairman of the Kyrgyz Cabinet and Head of the Presidential Administration, welcomed the heads of the delegations.

The meeting is attended by Azerbaijan’s Prime Minister Ali Asadov, Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Kyrgyzstan’s Cabinet Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliyev, Turkey’s Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, and TCT Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliev.

Discussions are set to focus on cooperation within the TCT in areas including the economy, trade, investment, transport, digitalisation, energy, and agriculture. Implementation of previous decisions and improvements to the organisation’s working mechanisms are also on the agenda.

In his address, Azerbaijan’s Prime Minister Ali Asadov stressed that modern global challenges require closer cooperation and agile decision-making:

"Exchanging views within the TCT, aligning our positions, and developing joint approaches is of great importance. The consolidation of efforts among Turkic states is essential for stability, security and prosperity."

He added that mutually beneficial cooperation strengthens trade and economic ties, enhances economic potential, and diversifies transport corridors. Asadov also highlighted the 15th anniversary of the Nakhchivan Agreement, noting it marked the start of the TCT’s successful development.

Prime Minister Asadov emphasised that economic relations between Azerbaijan and other TCT member states continue to grow dynamically. Trade between January and July rose by over 8%, and Azerbaijan’s investments in member states amount to nearly USD 21 billion. Joint investment funds with several partners facilitate reciprocal investment in priority economic sectors.

He further noted that cooperation in the transport sector is expanding rapidly and contributes significantly to strengthening regional connectivity:

"The Middle Corridor passes through Turkic states and plays a strategic role in expanding both regional and global trade and transport links. The agreements recently reached in Washington to connect Azerbaijan’s mainland with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic are historically significant. The opening of the Zangazur Corridor creates new economic and transit opportunities for regional countries and enhances the carrying capacity of the Middle Corridor."

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