Gabala Declaration marks new era for Turkic regional partnership

Leaders of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) signed the Gabala Declaration at the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State, outlining new priorities for political, economic, and cultural cooperation across the Turkic world.

The Gabala Declaration, adopted in Azerbaijan’s city of Gabala, reaffirms the commitment of member states of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) to unity, mutual trust, and respect for sovereignty and independence. It underscores joint efforts to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development across the wider region.

The declaration outlines a roadmap for deeper cooperation in politics, economy, transport, energy, culture, security, and institutional development. A central focus is the strategic expansion of the Middle Corridor — including the Zangezur Corridor — to strengthen connectivity, trade, and economic ties among Turkic nations.

It also seeks to align member states on regional and international issues, enhancing the OTS’s role as a constructive platform for dialogue and stability.

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said discussions centred on advancing political dialogue, economic integration, and cooperation in transport, energy, and humanitarian fields. He stressed the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor in boosting regional trade and connectivity.

OTS Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliyev described the Gabala Declaration as a “roadmap for future cooperation,” calling the summit a milestone for promoting lasting peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus following Azerbaijan’s restoration of sovereignty and the Washington Declaration between Baku and Yerevan.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan hailed the gathering as a “milestone for Turkic unity,” expressing hope that the declaration would strengthen cooperation among Turkic nations and benefit their partners. In a message shared on X, he called for continued progress on energy and transport projects, including the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor, and reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for peace and stability in the South Caucasus.

The 12th OTS Summit brought together leaders from member and observer states to reinforce the organisation’s growing role as a key platform for cooperation and dialogue across Eurasia.

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