Summit of Turkic states to tackle key strategic priorities, says secretary general

ISTANBUL

The secretary general of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) announced Monday that its summit of heads of state this week will tackle strategic priorities for the Turkic world.

Speaking to Anadolu, Kubanychbek Omuraliev highlighted the meeting’s significance in strengthening the Turkic community's strategic objectives.

He said the summit will emphasize four key areas: economic integration, sustainable development, digital transformation and security cooperation.

The 11th Summit of the Heads of State of the OTS is scheduled to take place in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, on Wednesday.

Omuraliev said the summit aims to deepen trade and investment ties through the anticipated signing of a digital economy partnership agreement.

"This agreement will streamline digital trade between our countries, allowing businesses to operate within a common digital framework more effectively," he said.

Promoting green finance for sustainable development

Omuraliev highlighted the ambition of the sustainable development agenda.

He said they are determined to promote green finance and environmental management through the establishment of the Turkic Green Finance Council and the adoption of the Turkic Green Vision.

He noted that these initiatives will facilitate investment in eco-friendly projects, ranging from renewable energy to sustainable urban development.

He also mentioned the Civil Protection Mechanism Agreement, which is designed to ensure coordinated disaster and emergency responses among member countries, saying that its signing will enhance security cooperation.

In digital transformation, Omuraliev highlighted projects like the Turkic Large Language Model and the Earth Observation Technology Satellite, which will advance digital connectivity, innovation and environmental monitoring throughout the Turkic states.

Enhancing infrastructure with Middle Corridor Project

Omuraliev emphasized the goal of enhancing cooperation in transportation, infrastructure and security.

He said that initiatives related to the Middle Corridor project would align shared infrastructure, turning the Turkic region into a vital trade route between Asia and Europe.

He highlighted the establishment of the Turkic Investment Fund last year as a significant milestone in creating a unified financial platform to support projects that boost intra-regional trade and investment.

Omuraliev also revealed their plans to establish a Council of Central National Banks of the OTS Member States, which is expected to play a crucial role in harmonizing monetary policies and enhancing financial stability and create a more competitive and resilient economic environment.​​​​​​​

Digital economy, trade liberalization

Omuraliev noted progress in trade liberalization through ongoing negotiations for a free trade agreement on services and investments.

"This agreement will play a pivotal role in removing barriers to trade and opening new avenues for businesses in our region, creating a more interconnected economic landscape."

He also said the digital economy partnership agreement will aim to lay the foundations for digital economic integration, facilitating digital trade, reducing administrative burdens and easing cross-border trade to expand business access within member countries.

Omuraliev said the final declaration of the Bishkek Summit will outline specific goals across these strategic areas.

“These goals demonstrate our collective commitment to a prosperous and resilient future through shared resources and coordinated actions," he emphasized.

*Writing by Muhammed Enes Calli in Istanbul