The 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), held
in Gabala, Azerbaijan, marks a significant evolution in the bloc’s
identity—transforming it from a forum focused on cultural heritage
into a growing center of geopolitical and economic influence. With
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev delivering a wide-ranging
opening address, the summit underscored the increasing alignment of
the Turkic nations in areas such as security, connectivity, energy,
and digital transformation.
“Today, the Organization of Turkic States has evolved from
merely a platform for cooperation into one of the significant
geopolitical centers,” President Aliyev declared, setting the
tone for the summit. He emphasized the importance of shared ethnic
and cultural roots, pointing out that these are not merely symbolic
ties, but strategic assets in unifying member states’ positions on
global issues.
Indeed, the summit reaffirmed that common historical
legacies—rooted in language, traditions, and a shared Eurasian
geography—are being transformed into actionable policies. This
transition from cultural kinship to strategic alignment forms the
backbone of what many analysts now see as an emerging regional
power center with increasing relevance in global geopolitics.
Security cooperation featured prominently in the discussions.
President Aliyev pointed to the strategic need for unity amid
global instability, noting that “development cannot be achieved
without ensuring security.” His proposal to host joint
military exercises for OTS members in Azerbaijan in 2026 reflects a
growing understanding within the bloc that hard power complements
soft power in maintaining sovereignty and ensuring stability.
This follows Azerbaijan’s own recent military developments,
including the 2020 victory in the Second Garabagh War and the 2023
counter-terrorism operations, which President Aliyev framed as a
restoration of justice and sovereignty. The peace process with
Armenia—highlighted by the initialing of a peace agreement in
Washington—was portrayed not only as a national victory, but also
as a contribution to broader regional peace.
The summit also highlighted economic integration as a central
pillar of cooperation. President Aliyev described Azerbaijan’s role
as a “vital bridge” in the East-West and North-South transport
corridors, citing a 90% increase in cargo traffic along the Middle
Corridor since 2022. Azerbaijan’s strategic investments in
transport—such as the Port of Alat, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway,
and nine international airports—position the country as a regional
logistics hub and connector between Central Asia and Europe.
The inauguration of the Zangazur Corridor was described as a
geopolitical and economic milestone, simultaneously enhancing
connectivity and reaffirming sovereignty. President Aliyev also
called attention to the country’s growing energy portfolio, noting
that Azerbaijan now supplies natural gas to 14 countries, and is
prioritizing renewables with the aim of generating 40% of its
energy from green sources by 2030.
This aligns closely with broader economic trends in the Turkic
world. According to the Turkish Economic Review Q2 2025, prepared
by the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication ,
OTS countries collectively achieved an average GDP growth of 5.4%,
significantly outpacing the global average of 2.3%. Countries like
Kyrgyzstan (11.7%), Uzbekistan (7.2%), and Turkmenistan (6.3%)
posted particularly high growth, reflecting expanding investment in
infrastructure, digital transformation, and energy
diversification.
Azerbaijan’s economy grew by a modest 1.5%, yet its trade
surplus of $920 million and growing investments in digital and
green infrastructure underscore its strategic role as a stable and
resource-rich partner within the bloc.
The digital and green transformation
agenda
The summit reaffirmed the commitment of member states to digital
transformation and sustainability. President Aliyev highlighted
ongoing efforts in digital governance and smart city development,
particularly in the liberated territories of Garabagh and Zangazur.
These initiatives reflect a regional pivot toward innovation-driven
growth, with OTS countries investing heavily in green energy and
digital infrastructure.
Kazakhstan, for instance, has allocated $3.2 billion toward
renewables, while Uzbekistan has raised $1 billion through green
bonds. Azerbaijan’s integration into a green energy corridor
linking Central Asia with Europe demonstrates how energy and
digital agendas are being aligned across the region.
Beyond economics and security, institutional consolidation and
cultural unity remain core to the OTS’s identity. President Aliyev
proposed commemorating the 100th anniversary of the First
Turkological Congress in Baku next year—a symbolic gesture that
reinforces cultural solidarity while linking it to the modern
political project of Turkic unity.
President Aliyev also acknowledged the growing role of informal
summits in facilitating strategic dialogue, referencing last year’s
summit in Shusha and this year’s gathering in Budapest. These
formats allow for more flexible and focused engagement among member
states, and could evolve into a model for future regional
diplomacy.
The 12th Summit of the OTS confirmed that the Turkic states are
no longer content with symbolic alliances—they are building a
shared future rooted in tangible cooperation. From joint military
exercises to integrated transport corridors and digital economies,
the member states are acting with increasing coordination.
President Aliyev’s speech captured the essence of this
evolution: “Our common history and ethnic roots, our languages
unite us like one family.” But beyond rhetorical unity, the
summit demonstrated actionable commitment across security,
economic, and cultural domains.
In an era of geopolitical realignment and global uncertainty,
the Organization of Turkic States is positioning itself not just as
a cultural bloc, but as a strategic coalition with growing
influence across Eurasia and beyond.
