Turkic states step up climate action with new COP29 declaration

Following the inaugural meeting of Environment and Ecology Ministers from the member states of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) during COP29, a "Ministerial Declaration" was signed.

The signing ceremony took place at the national pavilion of Uzbekistan and was attended by ministers from Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

During the meeting, the member states of the OTS reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation in tackling shared environmental challenges and promoting sustainable development.

Secretary General of the OTS, Kubanychbek Omuraliyev, emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing climate issues. "No country can solve climate problems alone. The OTS member states are also making joint efforts in this direction," he stated.

Omuraliyev highlighted that the OTS has been actively implementing its own climate initiatives. "One of the topics discussed during the informal forum in Shusha was climate. We also adopted important agreements at the OTS summit in Bishkek. Today, we are joining forces at the COP29 platform," he added.

Earlier, it was announced that the 12th Summit of the OTS member states will take place in Azerbaijan in 2025. This decision was made following the 11th meeting of the OTS Council of Heads of State in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on November 6.

The declaration also confirmed that Azerbaijan will host the 2025 summit, while an OTS informal summit will be held in Hungary.

The Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) was founded in 2009 as an intergovernmental body with the goal of enhancing cooperation among Turkic nations. The founding members included Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Türkiye. Uzbekistan joined as a full member during the 7th Summit in Baku in October 2019. Hungary gained observer status at the 6th Summit in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, in September 2018. Turkmenistan became a member at the 8th Summit in November 2021, followed by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in November 2022, and the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) in 2023.

The Organisation adheres to the principles outlined in the United Nations Charter and other internationally recognized norms, including sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of recognized borders. It is committed to promoting international peace and security, as well as fostering friendly relations among its member states.

Dedicated to advancing peace and stability, the Organisation aims to boost cooperation and unlock potential for shared development among its members. While focused on a specific group of countries, it maintains an inclusive approach, seeking to strengthen ties and solidarity among Turkic-speaking nations. The OTS serves as a regional platform for enhancing international cooperation, particularly in Central Asia and the Caucasus.

By Tamilla Hasanova