Think tanks from the Organization of Turkic States met in Baku to strengthen regional cooperation. Experts discussed geopolitical shifts, economic plans, and cultural ties, highlighting unity, the Zangezur Corridor, and strategic projects under the 2022–2026 roadmap.
Ahead of the upcoming Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Summit in October, leading think tanks and regional experts from member and observer countries gathered in Baku for a high-level conference titled “OTS as a Regional Actor During Global Uncertainty.” The event focused on strengthening political, economic, and cultural cooperation among Turkic nations to collectively address regional challenges and increase the OTS’s global influence.
Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Azerbaijani Center of Analysis of International Relations, stressed that growing unity among member states is shifting the geopolitical balance in the region. He noted that over the past two years, coordinated disinformation campaigns have targeted the OTS, especially amid developments in the Middle East. Shafiyev emphasized the importance of the think tank forum in crafting joint responses to such challenges and underscored the need for flexibility, given the complex geopolitical realities faced by Turkic countries.
OTS Deputy Secretary General Ömer Koçaman highlighted the organization’s ongoing strategic initiatives under its 2022–2026 roadmap. He pointed to key projects in areas such as the economy, transportation, tourism, media, and youth development. Koçaman underlined that shared history, language, and cultural ties remain at the core of the OTS’s strength and offer significant strategic value. He also emphasized the importance of innovation and adaptability as the organization encounters new ideas and changing global conditions.
The conference also addressed recent positive developments in the South Caucasus, particularly the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Participants noted that the peace talks could pave the way for new regional energy and transport links. Among these, the Zangezur Corridor was highlighted as a vital route that could enhance connectivity and stability across Turkic states, further solidifying regional integration and cooperation.
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