The OTS has established close relations with the Economic Cooperation Organization since 2012.

Establishment of Observer Status

At the ECO Summit on 16 October 2012, the Heads of State welcomed the decision to grant observer status to the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States (now OTS) for an initial three-year period, subject to renewal every three years.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ECO and OTS was signed in New York on 23 September 2014, enhancing relations between the two organizations.

Active Participation in ECO Activities

The OTS Secretariat actively participates in ECO’s Regional Planning Council (RPC) and ministerial-level meetings, fostering collaboration on mutual priorities such as economy, transportation, tourism, customs, and education. At the 23rd ECO Council of Ministers Meeting in Dushanbe on 16–17 April 2018, the observer status of the OTS was renewed for a second term.

Strategic Importance of Observer Status

ECO is the only organization where OTS holds observer status, providing a platform for exchanging views, contributing to regional development, and promoting inclusive cooperation. Participation in ECO meetings allows the OTS to:

• Engage with regional players.
• Inform the international community about its vision, mission, projects, and activities.

Strengthening Economic Collaboration

The OTS Secretary General led a delegation to the ECO Secretariat in Tehran to discuss avenues for collaboration and expand the scope of the 2014 MoU on April 2019.  The two organizations agreed to convene annual expert meetings to evaluate the implementation of the work program and explore new collaborative initiatives. 

The Secretary General of OTS and the President of ECO Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) signed an MoU during the 25th Executive Committee Meeting of ECO CCI, aimed at:

• Promoting economic and social development for OTS and ECO Member States.
• Facilitating systematic consultation, cooperation, and exchange of information between the two organizations.

Recent Engagements and Future Directions

OTS Secretary General attended the Informal Meeting of the ECO Council of Ministers in New York as a representative of an observer organization on September 2023. During the meeting, the Secretary General emphasized the role of OTS and ECO as symbols of regional collaboration that drive economic growth, social development, and political stability. He called on ECO Member States to expand joint projects in sectors such as:

• Economy, transport, energy, agriculture, and tourism.
• Healthcare, environment, aerospace, and human resources.

The Secretary General highlighted the importance of implementing the “Work Program for 2023–2024” developed between OTS and ECO to achieve tangible outcomes.