President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev is participating in the informal summit of the heads of state of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Turkistan, Kazakhstan, on 15 May. The summit focuses on regional cooperation, digital development and transport connectivity.
Aliyev was welcomed by Kazakhstan’s State Counsellor Erlan Karin, Akim of the Turkistan Region Nuralkhan Kusherov and other officials.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived in Kazakhstan on 15 May for a working visit at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to attend the informal summit of the heads of state of the Organisation of Turkic States.
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During the visit, the leaders discussed cooperation within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States.
Aliyev also joined other heads of state for a tour of the Azret Sultan State Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve in Turkistan. Established in 1989, the site preserves more than 26,000 artefacts reflecting the medieval history and cultural heritage of the Turkic world.
The leaders then visited the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, a major monument of Islamic architecture built in the 14th century by order of Amir Timur.
The complex, consisting of more than 35 rooms, is regarded as a key spiritual and cultural site in Central Asia.
Turkic Civilisation Centre and digital initiatives
Ilham Aliyev and other heads of state attending the informal summit took part in a virtual groundbreaking ceremony for the Turkic Civilisation Centre.
The project aims to preserve, study and promote the historical, cultural and spiritual heritage of Turkic peoples.
The ceremony was followed by a presentation on GovTech digital solutions, during which leaders were briefed on ongoing artificial intelligence development projects in Kazakhstan.
Digital transformation and connectivity
Addressing the summit, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted growing cooperation in digital development:
“Cooperation with the Turkic states in the field of digital development is progressing successfully. The implementation of the Digital Silk Road project between Europe and Asia is underway,” he said.
He noted that the Trans-Caspian fibre-optic cable line between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan is expected to become operational in the coming months.
Aliyev also announced cultural initiatives, stating: “The Turkic World Week, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the First Turcology Congress, which made a significant contribution to the scientific and cultural unity of Turkic peoples, will be held in Baku in June.”
He reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to advancing OTS cooperation and noted ongoing efforts under its chairmanship since the Gabala Summit.
Aliyev stressed the expansion of transport connectivity within the Turkic world, highlighting the growing importance of the Middle Corridor.
He also noted progress in simplifying customs procedures, including the e-Permit system within the OTS framework, and referred to the developing Zangezur Corridor as a key future segment.
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