The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) celebrated its 14th anniversary on October 3, marking another milestone in its mission to foster cooperation and unity among Turkic-speaking nations. Founded on October 3, 2009, with the signing of the Nakhichevan Agreement by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey, the organization has evolved into a vital platform for diplomatic, economic, and cultural collaboration.
Strengthening Ties Across the Turkic World
The primary goal of the OTS has been to integrate the diverse Turkic world by emphasizing common historical and cultural values. Over the past 14 years, the organization has made significant strides in achieving this objective. It has laid the groundwork for cooperation among member countries in various fields, including economy, politics, culture, tourism, education, and sports.
Initially known as the "Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking Countries" or "Turkic Council," the organization has expanded its regional and international influence. With member countries collectively covering approximately 5 mn square kilometers (1.9 mn square miles) of land, the OTS has grown into a significant geopolitical player in the Turkic world.
In a momentous decision made at the 8th Leaders' Summit in Istanbul on November 12, 2021, the Turkic Council officially changed its name to the Organization of Turkic States. This change signaled a new era in the integration process and further solidified the organization's role on the international stage.
Growing Membership and Observer Status
The OTS has seen its membership grow since its inception. Turkmenistan, Hungary, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have joined as observers, enhancing the organization's reach and influence. Uzbekistan became a full member during the Baku Summit in 2019, bringing the total number of member countries to five.
Multifaceted Structure and Partnerships
Headquartered in Istanbul, the OTS comprises various bodies, including the Council of Heads of State, the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, the Council of Elders, the Senior Officials Committee, and the Secretariat. Additionally, the OTS serves as an umbrella organization for several existing cooperation mechanisms, including the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic Speaking Countries (TURKPA), the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), and the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation.
The organization also maintains partnerships with numerous international bodies such as the United Nations (UN), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the World Customs Organization (WCO).
Expanding Reach into Europe
In a bid to strengthen its ties with observer member Hungary and increase its visibility in Europe, the OTS recently decided to open a representative office in Budapest, Hungary's capital. This move reflects the organization's commitment to building bridges with the European Union (EU) and other institutions, including the OSCE, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the Visegrad Group.
Turkic World-2040 Vision Document
The OTS is guided by the Turkic World-2040 Vision Document, which outlines its goals of fostering mutual trust, enhancing political solidarity, accelerating economic and technical cooperation, promoting healthy human relations, and leveraging the historical and cultural richness of the Turkic world.
Summits and Solidarity
Throughout its history, the OTS has hosted nine summits at the heads of state level. These gatherings have covered a wide range of topics, including economy, trade, science, culture, tourism, and media. The most recent Extraordinary Summit held in Ankara on March 16, in response to the earthquakes that struck Turkey on February 6, emphasized the organization's commitment to supporting its member states during times of crisis. Disaster management was identified as a new area of cooperation in the Ankara Declaration signed after the summit.
Upcoming Summit in Astana
As it enters its 15th year, the OTS is gearing up for its 10th summit, which is scheduled to take place in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, on November 3. This summit is expected to further strengthen ties among member countries and reinforce the organization's mission of unity and cooperation within the Turkic world.
The Organization of Turkic States continues to play a crucial role in promoting the interests, values, and aspirations of Turkic-speaking nations on the global stage, building a foundation for a prosperous and united future.
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