In the 21st century, the system of international relations is characterized by new geopolitical realities, the development of regional cooperation mechanisms, and the expansion of multilateral diplomatic initiatives. In this context, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) successfully continues its activities as an important international platform formed on the basis of common history, cultural and spiritual values, while deepening cooperation in political, economic, and security fields.
The activities of the OTS serve to strengthen mutual trust among Turkic states, expand economic ties, integrate transport and communication infrastructure, and ensure common security interests. In this regard, the organization is already transcending the framework of regional cooperation and strengthening its position as a strategic partnership model at the global level.
The informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States held in Shusha in July 2024 was an important stage towards further deepening integration in the Turkic world.
The meeting, attended by the presidents of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, the Prime Minister of Hungary, the Vice President of the Republic of Turkey, the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and the Secretary General of the OTS, gave a new impetus to the development of political solidarity and strategic cooperation within the organization.
As a logical continuation of this process, the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States was held in Gabala on October 7, 2025. High-level representatives from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Hungary, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, as well as leading figures of the Organization of Turkic States, participated in the summit.
At the Gabala Summit, issues such as strengthening cooperation among Turkic states in economic, transport, energy, security, and humanitarian fields, increasing the institutional capabilities of the OTS, and improving strategic coordination among member countries were discussed.
The heads of state emphasized the importance of Turkic states acting from a unified position in the global economic and political system, and preserving the principle of mutual support and joint development. The decisions adopted during the meeting serve to further strengthen the role of the Turkic world in regional stability and the international security system.
In his speech, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev noted the necessity of realizing the political, economic, and cultural potential of the Organization of Turkic States, emphasizing that this union plays an important role in ensuring peace, stability, and development: “Today, peace and security are key factors for the development of every country. The protection of peace and security is among the main goals and objectives in the Nakhchivan Agreement, the founding document of our Organization. Against the backdrop of current geopolitical and security challenges facing the world, in accordance with the Karabakh Declaration adopted during the informal Summit in Shusha last year and the theme of today's Summit, 'Regional Peace and Security,' it is extremely important for Turkic states to act as a unified center of power.”
The head of state declared that Azerbaijan will continue its efforts within the OTS framework towards deepening economic integration, expanding transport and communication routes, ensuring energy security, and implementing digital transformation processes.
The following directions were particularly emphasized in President Ilham Aliyev's speech:
Cooperation in energy and transport: The opening of the Zangazur corridor and the development of the Trans-Caspian transport corridor are of great importance for expanding the economic and logistical ties of the Turkic world.
Economic and technological partnership: Strengthening the activities of mechanisms such as the Turkic Investment Fund and the Turkic Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and supporting joint initiatives in green energy and innovations were noted as important directions.
Security and defense cooperation: President Ilham Aliyev drew attention to the importance of applying common security approaches for maintaining peace and stability in the region.
Humanitarian and cultural cooperation: Expanding cooperation in youth policy, education, science, and information exchange, as well as preserving and promoting the common heritage of the Turkic world, were highlighted as priority directions.
President Ilham Aliyev also noted: “The gift from our Turkmen brothers is the Fuzuli mosque, whose foundation was laid today. Companies from fraternal Turkey are building many tunnels, bridges, and roads. The Azerbaijani people will never forget this fraternal support.”
Thus, the Gabala Declaration adopted at the end of the Summit is an important document defining the strategic foundations of the future activities of the Organization of Turkic States. The Declaration outlines directions for expanding economic ties among member countries, promoting investment, jointly implementing transport and energy projects, digital transformation, and deepening humanitarian cooperation.
The Gabala Declaration not only affirmed the unified political will of the Turkic world and the principle of mutual trust and solidarity but also further strengthened the organization's position as an important strategic actor at the global level.
Consequently, the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States held in Gabala marked the beginning of a new stage in the development of the Turkic world. The Summit once again confirmed that Turkic unity is an important guarantor of peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.
As emphasized by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the Organization of Turkic States will continue to deepen cooperation among member states based on a unified strategic vision formed on common history, culture, and interests, and further strengthen its role in the system of international relations in the upcoming period.
Siyavush Novruzov
Chairman of the Regional Affairs Committee of the Milli Majlis