Establishing legal relationship with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has been one of the main focuses of the efforts undertaken by the OTS in the field of international cooperation.

Initial Steps Toward Cooperation

OTS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SESRIC, an OIC-affiliated organization, in Istanbul on April 2016. At the 43rd Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Tashkent on October 2016, a resolution welcomed the signing of the MoU between the OIC and the Council of Turkic Speaking States (CTSS). This agreement was viewed as a stepping stone toward granting observer status to the CTSS in the OIC.

Formalization of Relations

An MoU was signed by the Secretaries General of OTS and OIC during the First OIC Summit on Science and Technology in Astana on 10 September 2017. The MoU aimed to strengthen cooperation through concrete projects and further align the organizations. OTS began working toward obtaining observer status in the OIC, with support from member states that are also OIC members.

Strengthening Collaboration

17 January 2022:

OTS Secretary General met with the OIC Secretary-General in Jeddah. Both leaders emphasized upgrading the legal framework of cooperation between the two organizations.

22–23 March 2022:

OTS Secretary General participated in the 48th Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Islamabad, themed “Partnering for Unity, Justice, and Development.” Key issues discussed included:

• Global security challenges and regional conflicts.
• The Palestinian issue and the situations in Afghanistan and Jammu Kashmir.
• Combating Islamophobia, terrorism, and defamation of religions.
• Addressing the status of Muslim groups and communities in non-OIC countries.

Recent Developments and Future Plans

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly on 22 September 2023, OTS and OIC Secretaries General met in New York to discuss:

• The process of OTS obtaining observer status in the OIC.
• Strengthening cooperation through an Action Plan for joint, result-oriented projects.
• Both leaders emphasized the importance of expanding collaboration based on shared values, culture, and traditions.

Current Initiatives

OTS is actively working on partnership opportunities with the Islamic Development Bank for regional projects of mutual interest.