ASTANA: On November 3, Kazakhstan hosted the 10th summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Astana. In addition to Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the Summit was attended by the leaders of Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Hungary, the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as other government representatives of the member and observer states, in addition to the Secretary General of the OTS.
During his speech at the Summit, President Tokayev outlined the priorities of Kazakhstan’s chairmanship of the OTS, which is held under the motto “Turkic Era – TURKTIME.” This entails eight priorities:
Traditions: Focuses on deepening the humanitarian and cultural aspect of the OTS.
President Tokayev said it is vital to mutually promote TV series produced in Turkic countries. Particularly, there’s a pressing need to popularize children’s animated films.
Unification: Aims at harmonizing diverse elements such as legislation, standards, alphabets, etc., within the Turkic World.
President Tokayev urged to swiftly review and endorse the proposed legislation, which would enable unrestricted export of Turkic products to a shared market.
He also advocated for the creation of a Reference Center within the OTS, which would facilitate mutual recognition of product test results.
Reforms: Pertains to optimizing OTS activities and further institutional evolution.
President Tokayev said it is worth considering establishing an advisory council for central electoral bodies.
Kazakhstan advocates for granting the OTS observer status within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and seek collaboration with the Islamic Organization for Food Security.
Knowledge: Stresses the importance of science and education within the Turkic World.
President Tokayev proposed opening branches of top global universities in Turkic nations, stating that joint scientific collaborations and knowledge exchange are essential.
Trust: Concentrates on fostering mutual trust among member states and overcoming developmental gaps.
Tokayev proposed to hold the third meeting of the security council’s general secretaries in Astana next year.
He said it’s crucial to conclude an agreement on joint crime combat and the exchange of information between the financial investigation bodies of the Turkic states.
Investments: Aims at drawing investments from OTS member states, observers, and partners, and boosting economic cooperation.
It’s essential to cultivate the “green” financing market. Notably, Kazakhstan has suggested establishing a Turkic “green” finance council.
Mediation: ensures synergy, capacity building, sharing experiences, lessons learned and best practices for mediation.
President Tokayev announced that Kazakhstan will provide humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people amounting to $1 million.
Tokayev stated that adherence to the United Nations Security Council resolutions and compliance with international law are essential.
It is necessary to reform the UN Security Council, ensuring that countries from all regions are represented in the body, including countries from the Global South.
Energy: intensification cooperation on energy issues, inter alia, in the field of traditional fuels and renewable energy sources.
Tokayev proposed that Kazakhstan host the International Energy Forum this year.
In addition, Kazakhstan is planning a regional summit in 2026 to address climate change challenges.
Documents signed at the OTS Summit
The following documents were signed during the 10th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Astana:
1. Astana Act;
2. Declaration of the 10th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States;
3. The decision of the Heads of States to award the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev with the “Highest Order of the Turkic World”;
4. Decision of the Heads of States to award the status of Financial Centers of the Turkic World;
5. Decision on the adoption of new flags of Turkic cooperation organizations;
6. Decision of Heads of States on appointments;
7. Decision to grant observer status to the Economic Cooperation Organization in the Organization of Turkic States;
8. Decision to approve the day of February 6 as the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Disaster and Solidarity of the Organization of Turkic States;
9. Decision on the Rules for Budget Management of the Secretariat of the Organization of Turkic States;
10. Decision on the development of “Regulations on Permanent Representatives of the Organization of Turkic States”;
11. Protocol on cooperation between relevant institutions of member states of the Organization of Turkic States in the field of metrology;
12. Joint Action Plan (Road Map) of the Organization of Turkic States for the implementation of the Transport Communications Program for 2023-2027.
Background information on the Organization of Turkic States
Aims & Missions of the OTS
The primary aims of the OTS encompass the strengthening of mutual confidence and friendship among its member states and the promotion of their common purposes and ideals.
The organization also seeks to coordinate political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian efforts among its members.
A significant mission of the OTS is to ensure comprehensive cooperation and to enhance the regional and global influence of its member states.
Structure
The structure of the OTS is tiered and includes:
The Council of Heads of State, which acts as the supreme decision-making body.
The Council of Foreign Ministers, whose role is to discuss and prepare proposed agreements.
The Committee of Senior Officials, a working body.
The Council of Elders, an advisory board.
The Secretariat (executive body with its headquarters in Istanbul). The Secretariat of the OTS is headed by the Secretary-General.
Membership and Observer Status
The OTS has a growing membership that currently includes Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan—the latter having joined the organization in 2021.
Hungary and Turkmenistan have been granted the status of observer states within the OTS.
