By H.E. Amb. Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States

On 6 November 2024, Bishkek served as the epicenter of unity and collaboration for the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) as it hosted the Eleventh Summit, under the theme, “Empowering the Turkic World: Economic Integration, Sustainable Development, Digital Future, and Security for All.”

The event, hosted by H.E. Sadyr Zhaparov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic, gathered leaders of the OTS, members of the Council of Elders, and heads of affiliated cooperation organizations to advance this shared vision for a cohesive and empowered Turkic region.     

Pre-Summit Preparations

In preparation for the Summit, the OTS Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) convened to finalize and adopt essential documents, setting the stage for strategic discussions and resolutions. These preparations revealed OTS’s commitment to maintaining a well-coordinated agenda, with representatives ensuring that each decision aligned with the broader goals of the NakhchivanAgreement, the Turkic World Vision 2040 and the OTS Strategy 2022-2026.

Major Resolutions and Strategic Agreements     

Reflecting the Summit’s theme, our Heads of State pledged to strengthen cooperation on economic, environmental, digital, and security-related fronts. Among the notable decisions were:

• Turkic Green Vision: Unity for a Sustainable Future: A strategic framework aiming to outline our shared objectives and strategies for promoting an environmentally friendly future and to form a green     agenda of the Turkic World.
• Bishkek designated as the Digital Capital of the Turkic World in 2025: Bishkek will serve as the digital hub, hosting international meetings and activities in digitalization, reinforcing the Turkic World’s commitment to digital transformation.     
• Adoption of the Charter of the Turkic World: Formalizing a framework that embodies the shared values and aspirations of the Turkic states including priority of fraternal ties, constancy of the spirit of solidarity, Common Turkic space and other key principles.
• Approval of the Flag of the OTS and the Regulation of Permanent Representatives: Adoption of the OTS flag symbolizes a new era in regional cooperation, while the establishment of Permanent Representatives aims to provide stronger diplomatic support and engagement across multilateral initiatives of the Organization.             

In recognition of his dedication to strengthening Turkic unity, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán was awarded the "Supreme Order of the Turkic World."     

Strategic agreements signed at the summit promise to transform the economic and technological landscape of the region. Highlights included a Digital Economy Partnership Agreement to secure digital trade and electronic interactions, a Civil Protection Mechanism Agreement for coordinated disaster response, and a Memorandum of Understanding on Space-Related Activities to foster cooperative ventures in space technology.

Bishkek Declaration 

The Bishkek Declaration calls for enhanced digital and physical connectivity through projects like the Middle Corridor and the Transcaspian Customs Transit Portal, aimed at streamlining trade routes and boosting regional interconnectivity. The Digital Silk Way project, recognized as a key component for strengthening digital resilience, is expected to drive economic competitiveness and integration.

 The Declaration also enhances cooperation between Member States in labor, healthcare, social protection, agriculture, and environmental sectors, while targeting         inclusive employment, digital healthcare systems, and sustainable practices in water management and renewable energy.

United Stance on Global Issues

On the international stage, the OTS presented     a unified position on global issues, including     humanitarian aid in Gaza and Lebanon, and endorsed the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state. The Declaration encourages closer collaboration with global organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union, and looks forward to an informal OTS summit in Hungary in 2025.     

The Bishkek Declaration also welcomed Hungary's recentmembership in the Turkic Investment Fund, enhancing financial cohesion within the Turkic States. The introduction of the Turkic Red Network, a collaboration of Red Crescent and Red Cross societies across the region, marks a milestone in cross-border humanitarian efforts. Initiatives for food security, water management, and green energy development as well as the establishment of a Turkic Agricultural Insurance System and cooperative tourism projects signal the organization’s commitment to sustainable growth.

Honoring Kazakhstan's Chairmanship and Welcoming Kyrgyzstan's Leadership

The summit celebrated Kazakhstan’s successful chairmanship under the motto “TURKTIME!” which contributed to strengthening regional solidarity and expanding cooperative frameworks within the OTS. Over 80 prestigious events have been held, such as the World Nomad Games, fostering stronger collaboration among our countries in areas including social policy, law enforcement, education, technology, innovation, and industry.     

With Kyrgyzstan assuming the chairmanship, under the Summit’s theme, “Empowering the Turkic World,”new horizons have opened for further progress. H.E. Sadyr Zhaparov, President of the Kyrgyz Republic has outlined     a comprehensive vision that prioritizes economic integration, sustainability, digital innovation, and security. This strategic framework reaffirms our collective commitment to a prosperous, interconnected, and secure Turkic World.

Kyrgyzstan’s chairmanship will guide the OTS’s work until the next summit, scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan in 2025, with an informal summit in Hungary later in the same year.     

In a post-summit press conference, I joined Kyrgyz Foreign Minister H.E. Zheenbek Kulubaev to outline key priorities under Kyrgyzstan’s leadership, which include making Bishkek a digital hub, advancing cooperation in trade, security, and environmental protection, and transforming Jalal-Abad into a tourism center for the region. The discussions on recent regional and global developments were highlighted, reinforcing the goal of the Organization in uniting the Turkic States as a powerful force on the global stage. 

Toward a Unified and Resilient Turkic Future

Looking forward, Kyrgyzstan’s chairmanship marks a significant step toward deepening partnerships across digital transformation, security, environmental stewardship, and sustainable development. The Eleventh Summit reaffirmed the Turkic World’s commitment to a shared destiny, bringing diverse strengths and common heritage together for the benefit of all Member States. 

Looking ahead, I am confident that the OTS will continue to foster unity, drive economic growth, and build resilience, guiding the Turkic World toward a future that is peaceful, innovative, and collectively successful.