Kazakh president dismisses speculation over OTS military role

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has said that the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is not a geopolitical project and should not be characterized as a military alliance.

Tokayev made the remarks in response to claims describing the grouping as a military bloc, Akorda reports.

“The most important thing is that work in the new format must correspond to the goals and objectives of the Organization and must not have a negative impact on it.

For example, recently there have been opinions characterizing our association as a military alliance. It is obvious that those who express such speculations have ill intentions and seek to sow discord. Kazakhstan considers it necessary to reject such a position.

For us, strengthening the unity of the Turkic world is an extremely important and urgent priority.

The Organization of Turkic States is not a geopolitical project and not a military organization. It is a unique platform aimed at strengthening trade, economic, high-tech, digital, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation between brotherly countries.

This position is an important priority for our country, as it is clearly effective from the standpoint of national interests.

The Turkic world must always maintain unity, not deviate from its goals, and move forward together.

I am confident that today’s meeting will further strengthen the unity of our countries, which are connected by common roots and history,” Tokayev said.

To note, the informal Summit of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States has today been held in Turkistan, Kazakhstan.

By Vafa Guliyeva