ASTANA – Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev called for stronger economic integration, expanded transport connectivity and deeper digital cooperation among Turkic states at the 13th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Ankara on Oct. 30.
From L to R: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Photo credit: Akorda.
Speaking at the summit, Tokayev described the OTS as a unique structure that strengthens unity across the Turkic world. He stressed that respect for member states’ sovereignty and national interests remains a fundamental principle of cooperation.
The summit coincides with the centenary of the First Turkological Congress, held in Baku, which Tokayev said carried symbolic significance for the preservation and development of the Turkic peoples’ shared cultural heritage. Tokayev also welcomed the opening of the Avenue of the Organization of Turkic States in Ankara, saying it would become a symbol of enduring brotherhood.
The summit also comes amid broader geopolitical shifts across Eurasia, including efforts to strengthen regional trade and transport links.
“Developments that have taken place prior to the meeting present a noteworthy picture in terms of the future of the Turkic world, the geopolitical balances of Eurasia, and intercontinental transport connections,” said Ahmet Sağlam, a Turkish international relations and business development specialist.
Trade and economic integration
Tokayev said Kazakhstan’s trade turnover with OTS member states approached $10 billion this year, up 40% from the previous year. He called for the effective implementation of the Turkic World Vision 2040 and accelerated adoption of the OTS Strategy for 2027-2031.
The strategy should focus on concrete projects across trade, investment, finance, industry, agriculture, digital technologies, education and science, he said.
“It is fundamentally important that the adopted five‑year strategy be focused on the implementation of specific projects. Therefore, to achieve this goal, it is necessary to make maximum use of the capabilities of the Turkic Investment Fund,” he said, also proposing holding a business forum in Kazakhstan in 2027 to give further impetus to cooperation.
According to Tokayev, to enhance the organization’s authority, it would be the right and fair decision to respond positively to Russia’s intention and offer it participation in this format, proposing that Moscow be invited to join it or take part in the OTS as an observer.
“Being a major power, Russia has maintained close ties with the Turkic world for centuries,” Tokayev said, noting that many Turkic peoples historically live in Russia.
Transport connectivity and the Middle Corridor
Tokayev identified transport and logistics as priority areas for deeper partnership, highlighting the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor, as a key link connecting the Turkic world.
Over the first nine months of 2026, freight volumes along the Middle Corridor increased 30%, while transit shipments rose 90%, he said. Rail freight between Kazakhstan and OTS member states grew 10% to nearly 40 million tonnes, while road freight increased 20% to 6.5 million tonnes.
“To expand Kazakhstan’s transit potential, we intend to implement a special program in our country. Overall, the modernization of logistics infrastructure and seaports along the Middle Corridor remains a priority for Kazakhstan,” he said.
Digitalization and artificial intelligence
Tokayev said digital transformation and artificial intelligence were essential to the future development of OTS member states. He highlighted the establishment of the Alem.ai artificial intelligence center in Astana, the opening of Qazaq AI Research University, plans to develop a data center valley with a total capacity of one gigawatt, and the launch of two supercomputers, with a third expected to begin operating soon.
He also pointed to the launch of a trans-Caspian fiber-optic communication line between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, saying the project could benefit other OTS members. He called for faster implementation of initiatives to establish a cybersecurity council and centers for digital monitoring and innovation.
Preserving shared cultural heritage
Tokayev emphasized the importance of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, including efforts to preserve and promote the historical heritage of Turkic peoples.
Following discussions in Turkistan earlier this year, Kazakhstan proposed establishing a Center for Turkic Civilization and a center dedicated to promoting steppe civilization. Tokayev called for accelerating the adoption of a convention on preserving the heritage of Turkic civilization.
He praised the work of OTS-related institutions, including the Turkic Academy, which has published research on shared historical and cultural heritage, and the Foundation for Turkic Culture and Heritage, which developed the Turkic Heritage digital platform.
Tokayev also noted that Turkistan will become the cultural capital of the Islamic world in 2027. Kazakhstan plans to organize an international forum named after Khoja Ahmed Yasawi on literature and language, as well as a meeting of museum specialists from the Turkic and Islamic worlds.
OTS institutional development
Tokayev called for strengthening the organization’s institutional structure and clarifying its priorities, noting that its activities now cover around 60 areas, with some functions overlapping. He also stressed the importance of honoring agreements signed at the highest level within the organization and reiterated Kazakhstan’s proposal to establish a Council of Permanent Representatives at the OTS.
“The OTS is not, and should not in the future become, a military alliance,” Tokayev said, reaffirming Kazakhstan’s position expressed at a high-level meeting in Turkistan in May.
In closing, Tokayev thanked Azerbaijan for its contribution during its chairmanship and welcomed the transfer of the chairmanship to Türkiye. He also congratulated the incoming OTS Secretary General, Mirvohid Azimov, and thanked outgoing Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev.
