Turkish president to visit Kyrgyzstan for high-level talks

Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Kyrgyz presidential administration Muratbek Azymbakiev has said that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will arrive in Kyrgyzstan for an official visit on November 5, 2024.

"President Erdogan will visit the Kyrgyz Republic for a state visit on November 5," he told journalists in Bishkek, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

Azymbakiev noted that during Erdogan's visit to Bishkek, there will be high-level discussions between the leaders of Kyrgyzstan and Türkiye in a closed format, as well as the 6th meeting of the Supreme Council for Strategic Cooperation, co-chaired by the two presidents. They will discuss a broad range of issues related to the cooperation between Kyrgyzstan and Türkiye.

"At the conclusion of the visit, several bilateral documents aimed at expanding strategic cooperation and further strengthening the intergovernmental relations between the two countries are expected to be signed," the department head noted.

He also confirmed that President Erdogan will participate in the summit of the Organisation of Turkic States in Bishkek on November 6.  

The Organisation of Turkic States was established in 2009 as an intergovernmental body aimed at enhancing cooperation among Turkic nations. The founding members are Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Türkiye. Uzbekistan joined later as a full member during the 7th Summit in Baku in October 2019. Hungary gained observer status at the 6th Summit in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyz Republic, in September 2018. 

At the 8th Summit in November 2021, Turkmenistan joined, 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 maintaining international peace and security and fostering friendly relations among member states. Dedicated to promoting peace and stability, the Organisation seeks to enhance cooperation and unlock potential for shared development among its members.

While it focuses on a specific group of countries, the Organisation takes an inclusive approach, aiming to strengthen ties and solidarity among Turkic-speaking nations. It seeks to serve as a regional platform for advancing international cooperation in Eurasia, particularly in Central Asia and the Caucasus.

By Naila Huseynova