Global powers acknowledge growing importance of Turkic states Expert opinions

The 11th Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) recently took place in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The key geopolitical takeaway from the summit, held under the theme "Strengthening the Turkic World: Economic Integration, Sustainable Development, Digital Future, and Security for All," was a reaffirmation of the growing significance of this organization in the context of the shifting global order.

Kyrgyz experts, interviewed by a Caliber.Az correspondent, share this assessment.

Aibolot Aidosov, a China specialist and Master's degree holder from Zhejiang University, believes that the large number of leaders attending the summit in Bishkek reflects the Turkic countries' strong commitment to unity and collaboration, particularly on issues of security, economic integration, and foreign policy.

"Turkic-speaking countries are pursuing a smart, multilateral foreign policy. A recent example of this is the visit of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to China, during which discussions focused on constructive cooperation and the strengthening of ties between Ankara and Beijing. This visit not only resolved several issues between the two nations but also highlighted the growing relationship between the Turkic world and China.

Today, Turkic countries are experiencing economic, military, and cultural growth, and many major global powers recognize that the unity of these nations must be taken into account. This year, the chairmanship of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) will transition from Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan, a significant responsibility for Bishkek. As a result, Bishkek is becoming a centre for key international decisions and, potentially, a target for global powers that are not interested in the development of the OTS, as it contradicts their own interests.

Particular attention should be given to Hungary, which was represented at the summit by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. As a European country, Hungary sees great potential in the Organization of Turkic States.

Azerbaijan, which is pursuing a confident foreign policy, is one of the main allies and closest partners of the Central Asian countries. Azerbaijan is now on the verge of signing a peace agreement with Armenia, which could lead to the launch of the Zangezur Corridor," emphasized Aidosov.

According to analyst Mederbek Korganbaev, the summit of Turkic state leaders in Bishkek took place against the backdrop of the OTS's significant strengthening.

"Cooperation between the countries of the Turkic world is not merely declarative; it is evolving into a developing military-political and economic alliance of Turkic-speaking nations. The members of the OTS face large-scale tasks related to expanding the transit of goods, creating new transport routes and corridors, ensuring regional security, and providing mutual support in the event of military aggression or terrorist threats.

Kyrgyzstan is a key link in the chain of cooperation between Turkic countries. It is impossible to imagine the Turkic world without Kyrgyzstan, just as it is impossible to imagine Kyrgyzstan outside the Turkic brotherhood. Since 1991, official Bishkek has traditionally maintained good-neighborly relations with the Central Asian Turkic republics. Since 2021, the Kyrgyz Republic has notably strengthened its relations with Azerbaijan and Türkiye. Figuratively speaking, if Kyrgyzstan took one step forward toward the Turkic world, Azerbaijan and Türkiye, in turn, took two steps toward it. Official Baku and Ankara have significantly contributed to enhancing Kyrgyzstan's defence capabilities, supporting Bishkek’s efforts to build a modern army equipped with weapons from Azerbaijan and Türkiye.

Today, the invaluable experience of Azerbaijan and Türkiye, forged in blood as they say, is being embraced by the Kyrgyz Armed Forces. The military-political support from Azerbaijan and Türkiye serves as a sort of guarantee for the security of Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia as a whole," emphasized the expert.

He believes that in addition to economic and defence matters, the OTS members are eager to pool their efforts in areas such as the development of green energy, combating drought and climate change, and more.

"In just a few days, COP29, the UN Climate Conference, will begin in Baku. For the Turkic world, this event of global significance holds enormous importance. The conference will be hosted in a Turkic state, and Azerbaijan is one of the flagbearers of the Turkic world. The Bishkek summit of the OTS, in turn, is another proof of the stable course of the Turkic world towards progress and a shared commitment to move forward together as one Turkic family," concluded Korganbaev.