Turkic unity: blueprint for peace and security Solidarity in action

Fragmentation… How often is this term used today in reference to the emerging new world order unfolding before our eyes. Perhaps it hardly requires any special comment, as the meaning is clear: a concept that, a few years ago, carefully replaced what some analysts consider the “failed” globalisation.

At the same time, talk of regionalisation is becoming increasingly common, which also requires little explanation. This aspect becomes particularly significant given that the world is far from having a single “hot spot,” with ongoing conflicts leading to endless bloodshed.

It is therefore no coincidence that more and more experts view regionalisation as an important geopolitical mechanism capable—through coordinated actions by a group of countries—of ensuring peace, security, and stability, at least within a certain region.

It is within this framework, and from this particular perspective, that the prospects of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) can be considered, whose strength manifests itself not only in terms of geographic paradigms or geopolitical understanding.

We are talking about deeper foundations. The countries of the organisation are united by a solid historical, cultural, and spiritual component.

According to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the states within the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) are united by shared roots, creating a unique structural identity. This particular nuance distinctly sets the OTS apart from other international organisations that lack a common ethnic foundation. This unity is further reinforced by the economic development of the OTS member states, which creates a significant advantage supported by a broad geographic span, demographics, rich natural resources, and military capabilities.

Especially considering that Türkiye is one of the leading military powers on a global scale, and the Azerbaijani army has brilliantly proven itself on the battlefield.

On October 3, the Turkic States Cooperation Day, President Ilham Aliyev shared a post on his official social media pages in which, as in his inaugural speech, he referred to the Turkic world as “our family”! He reminded that the OTS was founded in 2009 on the ancient Azerbaijani land of Nakhchivan and emphasised that over its 16 years of existence, the organisation has strengthened not only through increased solidarity among Turkic peoples and the expansion of its membership but also by gaining considerable authority on the global stage.

This is evidenced by the real institutionalisation of the OTS. In addition to the International Turkic Academy and the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY), the organisation has become a coordinating centre for the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TÜRKPA), the Investment Fund (IF) of Turkic States, and the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation.

Naturally, one of the OTS’s most important areas of activity is the transport and logistics sector. It is no coincidence that, in the first days of October, the member states signed an action plan to eliminate existing “bottlenecks” on the railway section of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR, Middle Corridor).

On October 3, OTS Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliev emphasised that the establishment of the “Trump Route” (TRIPP, Zangezur Corridor), once implemented, will provide an additional boost to the success of the Middle Corridor initiative, which runs along the East–West axis between the North–South transport routes and possesses significant strategic advantages compared to both alternative directions.

Omuraliev made these remarks ahead of the XII Summit of the Council of Heads of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), which will open on October 7 in Gabala, Azerbaijan. The summit’s agenda speaks for itself: “Regional Peace and Security.” As evident from the title, the discussion focuses precisely on a regional format of cooperation—on regionalisation, as mentioned at the beginning of this overview. Accordingly, the pre-summit OTS Statement highlights discussions on key international issues, the strengthening of cooperation, and the adoption of relevant documents aimed at further promoting unity, peace, and prosperity within the Turkic world.

In the context of the OTS chairmanship transition from Kyrgyzstan to Azerbaijan, Omuraliev expressed confidence that, considering Baku’s role as a bridge within the Turkic world, its political weight, economic potential, and growing significance in regional and global affairs, the organisation will become an even stronger and more prominent actor on the international stage during Azerbaijan’s tenure. This is further reinforced by the strong political will and personal commitment of the Azerbaijani president to the idea of Turkic unity, which provides a solid foundation for these ambitions.

It is worth noting that the historic city of Gabala, host of the 12th OTS Summit, previously hosted the 3rd Summit of the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States (CCTS) in 2013. (In 2021, at the CCTS summit, the Turkic Council was renamed the Organisation of Turkic States.)

Twelve years ago, speaking in Gabala, President Ilham Aliyev emphasised the importance of bringing our peoples closer together, fostering closer cooperation and unity among countries. He also stressed the need to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region through a just resolution of the Armenia–Azerbaijan conflict, based on international law and within the framework of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. According to him, this would put an end to injustice and contribute to regional security.

As the saying goes, “words into action”! Word for word, exactly as stated! This is a prime example of Azerbaijan’s commitment to peace. It gives confidence that the OTS will gradually evolve into the format envisioned by President Ilham Aliyev. As he noted in August 2025, his vision for the future of the OTS is to transform it into a global player on the international stage—a structure that will not only address internal matters but also play a stabilising and positive role in global processes. At the same time, the OTS will create opportunities for its neighbours, demonstrating that on such a vast territory, a strong unity can be built that poses no threat to anyone but instead opens new prospects for many.

And once again: considering that President Aliyev’s words are always backed by his actions—both domestically and internationally—it can be stated with confidence that the OTS will undoubtedly reach the heights outlined by Ilham Aliyev!