Esteemed Guests,

As you are aware, the forthcoming Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) will be hosted by the Republic of Azerbaijan. In our capacity as think tanks representing the member and observer states of the Organization, we have established the tradition of convening regular meetings in the host country prior to the Summit, thereby fostering closer cooperation and the exchange of views in advance of this high-level gathering.

Furthermore, a Memorandum of Understanding has been signed among the participating think tanks in this regard, and the continuation of these meetings has been formally mandated by the heads of state and government in the final declarations of the OTS Summits. To date, we have organized 10 such meetings and conferences. Today, we are convening the 11th conference here in Baku.

On this occasion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all our distinguished foreign and local guests for taking the time to attend our event.

Since 2009, when the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) entered its institutionalization phase, its influence in the region has been steadily increasing. In recent years, both the number of member states and its prominence at the regional and global levels have grown significantly. Today, we can confidently state that the OTS truly contributes to peace and cooperation in the region. Unlike some other regional organizations, cooperation within the OTS is firmly grounded in the principle of equality among its members.

At present, the world is experiencing a period of uncertainty in international politics. One of the main reasons for this is the inability of many international organizations to effectively fulfill their functions. Today, at both regional and global levels, there is a pressing need either for substantial reforms within existing institutions or for the emergence of new ones. In short, there is a functional gap in the current institutional landscape, and the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) possesses the potential to fill this gap.

One of the key factors necessitating closer cooperation among Turkic states is the growing number of threats and risks emerging globally. Addressing these challenges alone is becoming increasingly impossible. It is precisely for this reason that we are witnessing a rise in alliances and cooperation frameworks among states. At present, Azerbaijan has signed alliance agreements or declarations with four countries, three of which are Turkic states. The strengthening of our cooperation enables us to adopt a more resilient and united stance in the face of common threats and risks.

The expansion of cooperation among Turkic states is shifting the geopolitical and geoeconomic balance of power in the region in favor of both member and observer states. Foreign powers now interested in the region must reckon with an alliance of states rather than a single nation. Despite certain differences, it is evident that solidarity and joint action among Turkic states are becoming increasingly stronger. This development causes concern for some foreign actors, who seek to create divisions and undermine unity among Turkic states by introducing various enticing proposals. These circles, with imperial legacies, continue to attempt to govern the independent states in the region through a “divide and rule” strategy. In response, we must further strengthen our cooperation and solidarity within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States, and prevent foreign powers from achieving their objectives.

Especially in the last five years, the geopolitical and geoeconomic developments in our region have significantly increased the attention and interest towards the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and the projects it carries out. This represents a significant opportunity for us, which we must seize to further deepen our cooperation.

Azerbaijan has consistently supported the strengthening of the Organization of Turkic States’ (OTS) position in global politics. President Ilham Aliyev has prioritized cooperation with the OTS and the enhancement of the organization as a key element of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy, and with the statement, “Our family is the Turkic world, we have no other family,” he has also sent a clear message to other regional organizations. Azerbaijan was the first to allocate an additional two million dollars to the OTS Secretariat’s budget and also initiated the holding of informal OTS Summits.

Esteemed Guests,

I would like to inform you that within the framework of diplomatic discussions and the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, certain agreements have been reached. This development opens up new opportunities for cooperation in our region. In particular, the increasing prospects for the realization of the Zangezur Corridor create new possibilities for transportation and energy collaboration among Turkic states. In this regard, the support of the Turkic states plays a crucial and decisive role. This support will also contribute to strengthening the Middle Corridor, ensuring our security, and deepening solidarity among our peoples. All these factors will enhance our regional influence and further consolidate our position in global politics.