OTS Chairman Predicts Deeper Integration Among Turkic States in 2025
OTS Celebrates 15 Years of Cooperation Among Turkic States
The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is marking a significant milestone this year as it celebrates 15 years since its establishment. What began as a vision of Turkic cooperation among Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Türkiye has evolved into a fully-fledged intergovernmental entity with growing international recognition.
Under the leadership of OTS Chairman Kubanychbek Omuraliev, the organization has outlined its strategic priorities for the next five years, aiming to further strengthen cooperation among Turkic nations and expand its reach on the global stage. Omuraliev, who has been instrumental in overseeing a period of intensified engagement since taking office as Secretary General in November 2022, emphasizes the deep-rooted brotherly bonds that unite the member states of the OTS.
The OTS is more than just an alliance—it is a family built on shared values, language, culture, and history. With a focus on cooperation in various fields such as trade, economy, education, culture, and tourism, the organization is committed to fostering a spirit of unity and solidarity among its members.
One of the key initiatives of the OTS is to enhance economic cooperation and improve trade among its member states. With a total external trade volume of $860 billion, there is a significant opportunity to increase intra-OTS trade, which currently stands at 5%. Efforts are underway to boost trade through projects that simplify transport operations and speed up border crossings, such as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor.
In addition to trade and investment, the OTS is also focusing on initiatives in areas such as education, culture, and tourism. Projects like the Turkic Universities Union, the Common Turkic Alphabet, and the World Nomad Games are aimed at strengthening cultural connections and promoting mutual enrichment among the member states.
Looking ahead to 2025, the OTS plans to deepen ties between its member countries and expand cooperation beyond the Turkic world. Under Kyrgyzstan’s chairmanship, the organization will continue its ambitious agenda, focusing on strategic cooperation and implementing decisions made at recent summits. Key priorities include negotiating a Free Trade Agreement, expanding cooperation with international organizations, and holding significant summits in Hungary and Azerbaijan.
As the OTS enters a new phase of enhanced cooperation and strategic growth, 2025 is poised to be a year of significant progress and deeper integration among the Turkic States. The organization remains committed to strengthening regional cooperation and making a significant contribution to global processes, fostering a more interconnected and stable world.
