OTS ministers to meet in Astana in 2026, Turkish minister announces

The next meeting of ministers of industry, science, technology, and innovation of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) will take place in 2026 in Astana, Turkish Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır announced.

Turkish Minister, speaking to reporters on October 24 during the second meeting of OTS ministers of industry, science, technology, and innovation, said he believed that the meetings would contribute to the bright future of the member states, Caliber.Az reports.

He expressed deep gratitude to Azerbaijan for its warm hospitality and added that the next gathering would be held in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana, next year.

Kacır noted that the foundations laid and the decisions made at the first ministerial meeting held in Istanbul last year, as well as the development of a roadmap for the coming period, formed the focus of this year’s session. He emphasised that the areas of industry, technology, innovation, and scientific research are of vital importance for the future of the Turkic world, which is becoming an increasingly significant force in the global economy.

According to the minister, the steps taken in the fields of industry and technology will play a key role in this process. “At today’s meeting, we focused on five main directions. The first is digital transformation and artificial intelligence. In the modern world, AI is the driving force of transformation. As the Turkic world, we aim to deepen cooperation in this field, develop shared infrastructure, jointly establish ethical frameworks for AI use, and launch a major Turkic-language large model project. At the same time, we attach great importance to accelerating digital transformation in industry, increasing its efficiency, and boosting added value,” he said.

The second key area, Kacır continued, is green transformation and sustainable production. Special attention will be given to reducing carbon emissions, expanding the use of renewable energy in industry, developing waste recycling, and strengthening circular economy principles.

“We will work to share experience among OTS member states and implement joint programs and projects in these fields. Another significant area is the support of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs are the backbone of our economies, and to ensure their access to technology and finance, we will expand joint programs between relevant institutions, enhance cooperation between venture funds, stimulate the activities of incubation centres and accelerators, and strengthen ties among technoparks,” Kacır noted.

The minister also emphasised the importance of metrology, standardisation, and product safety, stating that OTS plans to jointly establish a Turkic Metrology Organisation, harmonise safety infrastructure, and facilitate mutual trade among member countries.

“And finally, another crucial direction is space technologies and advanced engineering. We plan to jointly develop both communication and observation satellites and train qualified specialists in this field. Additionally, we will promote initiatives like TEKNOFEST, which encourage youth engagement in technological entrepreneurship, and aim to hold such events across all OTS member states,” he added.

The second meeting of the ministers of industry, science, technology, and innovation of the Organisation of Turkic States is taking place in Baku.

The event brings together Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, OTS Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Economy and Trade Bakyt Sydykov, Türkiye’s Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, as well as other senior officials.

This meeting seeks to deepen collaboration among OTS member states across industry, scientific research, innovation, technology, investment, and entrepreneurship.

By Jeyhun Aghazada