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.
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