Gabala: The Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) held in Gabala today and tomorrow signifies a pivotal moment in advancing solidarity, integration, and strategic cooperation across the Turkic world, as shared by Zaur Mammadov, Advisor to the Academy of Public Administration under the President and Chairman of the Baku Political Scientists Club, to APA.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Mammadov emphasized that recent summits have transcended mere diplomatic events, evolving into a vibrant representation of the political, economic, and cultural resurgence of the Turkic civilization in the modern era. He highlighted that the Gabala Summit is set to further this revival and solidify the unity of the Turkic peoples on a global stage. The selection of Gabala as the host city underscores Azerbaijan’s historical and cultural centrality within the Turkic world. This summit not only reflects historical depth and strategic importance but also addresses emerging challenges for the future unity of the Turkic peoples.
Mammadov further elaborated that geopolitical tensions surrounding the Turkic world are increasingly evident. The ongoing global struggles and attempts to curtail state sovereignty raise critical questions about maintaining national independence and navigating international structures. What sets the Organization of Turkic States apart is its foundation on equality, mutual respect, and shared interests among member countries.
Over the past five years, the OTS platform has been instrumental in realizing the national interests of its member states. Mammadov credited Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for spearheading this integration process. Under his leadership, the Turkic world is moving towards comprehensive integration across humanitarian, political, economic, and military domains. The aftermath of the 44-day war saw significant decisions and agreements that underscored a unified foreign policy and economic space among Turkic states, with Azerbaijan playing a pivotal role.
Mammadov also noted recent achievements, such as the establishment of the Middle Corridor and Zangezur corridors as economic lifelines, and the concept of a Turkish Defense Alliance as a joint security measure. He highlighted the contributions of the Turkish Academy and the Turkish Cultural Foundation in science, education, and culture, alongside energy cooperation in the Caspian region.
President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership was praised for transforming Turkic unity from a cultural brotherhood to a practical political and economic synthesis. His initiatives have fostered a unified stance among Turkic states on the international stage, exemplified by the solidarity shown towards Azerbaijan post-Karabakh war. Mammadov spoke of the evolving concept of ‘One nation, two states’ between Trkiye and Azerbaijan, expanding into collective security within the OTS framework through joint exercises and defense cooperation.
The Gabala Summit is expected to chart a strategic course for the Turkic world, fostering a single economic space, robust military systems, and a cultural synthesis in the coming decades. Mammadov emphasized that the summit represents not just regional cooperation but the emergence of a new Turkic civilization as a global power center, with Azerbaijan at its core.
The Organization of Turkic States, according to Mammadov, has the potential to become a major regional power center, contributing to stability and security in Greater Eurasia. The member states, due to their strategic positions and resources, could enhance the OTS as a symbol of unity and stability across Eurasia.
Mammadov concluded by discussing the strategic significance of the Nakhchivan Treaty, which has transformed the OTS from a political platform into a significant international entity. The treaty emphasizes peace, security, and deep cooperation across various domains. The upcoming 12th Summit in Gabala, where Azerbaijan will assume the chairmanship from Kyrgyzstan, is expected to further strengthen Azerbaijan’s leadership within the Turkic world. The inclusion of observer and partner statuses, such as Turkmenistan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, highlights the OTS’s evolution into an influential international platform.