By José Manuel Sanz
Antalya, Turkey (EFE).- The countries of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) seek to expand their global influence through economic integration and stronger trade ties, amid rising international tensions and the end of the polarized world, OTS Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliev told EFE at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, which was held from April 11 to 13.
EFE: Which dimension of cooperation between OTS member states is dominant: security, energy, transportation, culture and sport, tourism?
SG OTS: Over the years, our multilateral cooperation has expanded into 35 diverse areas,ranging from foreign policy and trade to energy, green economy, tourism, digitalization, and even space research. However, if I had to highlight one area as dominant, I would say that economic cooperation stands out as the most dynamic and strategic pillar of our partnership.
One of the key mechanisms driving this cooperation is the Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), which unites over 2 million companies and actively s the strengthening of economic ties within the region. Another important initiative is the Turkic Investment Fund (TIF), which started with a capital of $500 million and has now grown to $600 million, following Hungary’s inclusion. This fund is focused on ing mutual investments, fostering innovation, and nurturing entrepreneurship, particularly within SMEs.
The Fund is planned to be activated this year and start investing in concrete projects in our region.
The Trade Facilitation Committee (TFC) also plays a significant role by working to remove trade barriers, streamline processes, and enhance the overall business environment. Recently,we took a major step forward with the g of the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement at the Bishkek summit, a landmark deal that aims to accelerate digital trade and transformation across our region. Additionally, we are hopeful that soon we will reach a consensus among OTS Member States to conclude an agreement on free trade in services and investments, which will help boost intra-regional trade.
We have also made progress in financial cooperation. Last year, our established the Council of Central Banks, and created the Turkic Green Finance Council (TGFC), which are a major step forward in ing sustainable investment and green finance in the region.
Our region, strategically positioned at the crossroads of East and West, North and South, with a population of around 175 million people and covering 4.5 million square kilometers, offers vast opportunities for enhanced trade and economic collaboration. In of total GDP, the OTS member states rank 12th in the world. Currently, the total foreign trade volume of OTS member states stands at $1.1 trillion, but intra-regional trade makes up only 7% of that —around $58.17 billion. While this is still below our potential, the trend is encouraging: just a few years ago, the figure was only 3%. Our goal now is to increase this share to 10% as quickly as possible.
To boost trade, we are focusing on removing barriers, especially in transport and logistics.
We are working closely with the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the International Road Transport Union (IRU) to improve trade flows and simplify transport operations. Projects like “eTIR,” “ePermit,” and “eCMR” are already making a significant impact by streamlining customs procedures and speeding up border crossings.
One of the most significant projects is the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor, also known as the Middle Corridor, which runs through the territories of our countries and connects Asia with Europe. Historically, this route is known as the Silk Road. It offers unique advantages—being 2,000 kilometers shorter than the Northern Corridor and three times faster than sea routes, allowing goods to be delivered from China to Europe in just 15 days.
Improving infrastructure along the Middle Corridor will help triple the volume of goods transported by 2030, reaching 11 million tons.
An important component of this corridor is the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project, which will significantly reduce transit distances and has the potential to transport up to 15 million tons of cargo annually.
While we value our shared culture, promote tourism, and strengthen security cooperation, it is through economic integration that we unlock the full potential of the Turkic world. Economic cooperation is the driving force behind our prosperity, resilience, and growing influence on the global stage. Through stronger economic ties, we are building a more connected, prosperous future for all our people.
Q: What do you think is the main asset of the community that you coordinate? And the main threat?
A: I believe the greatest asset of the Organization of Turkic States lies in the enduring spirit of brotherhood and solidarity among its . Our cooperation is rooted not only in common interests but also in shared history, language, culture, and values that have connected our peoples for centuries. This deep-rooted unity forms a resilient foundation for our collective progress and strengthens our ability to work together in a spirit of mutual respect and trust.
As for challenges, like any regional cooperation framework, we remain mindful of evolving geopolitical dynamics and regional instabilities that can affect the pace of our initiatives.
As for challenges, like any regional cooperation framework, we remain mindful of evolving geopolitical dynamics and regional instabilities that can affect the pace of our initiatives.
Q: Is Ukraine still considering ing OTS as an observer?
A: I would like to point out that with the transformation of the Turkic Council into the OTS in 2021, the Nakhchivan Agreement introduced significant changes. These changes set clear criteria for hip and observer status, specifically requiring that only countries with a Turkic or closely related language as an official or state language can the OTS.
Nonetheless, we are always open to engaging in dialogue and cooperation with any country interested in collaboration.
Q: Has the transition to the Latin alphabet been completed yet? When will it be applied?
A: Indeed, in September 2024 in Baku, a common agreement was reached on a 34-letter Common Turkic Alphabet between linguistic scientists of our countries. This alphabet proposal has been submitted to the relevant institutions in our member states. From here on, each country will decide how and when to use it.
But the goal is the same for all: to help our peoples read each other’s texts more easily, to share knowledge, and to feel a stronger cultural and linguistic bond. It will also make travel, education, and cooperation much easier in the Turkic world.
Q: What milestones or main events has OTS planned for this year and the following years?
A: In 2025, we have two major summits planned. First, we will have the Informal Summit in Hungary, followed by the 12th Annual Summit in Azerbaijan. These summits will not only be vital for making key strategic decisions but also serve as platforms to evaluate the progress of our ongoing projects. We will have the opportunity to strengthen cooperation among Member States, review our achievements, and set new priorities moving forward.
Another milestone for 2025 will be the first-ever meeting of the Heads of Government or Vice Presidents of our Member States. This is a highly significant event as it will provide a strategic platform for advancing t initiatives, enhancing economic ties, and working together on sustainable development goals across our region.
In addition to these major events, dozens of sectoral ministerial meetings are also planned throughout the year. These will cover a wide range of areas – from economy to digital transformation.
Looking beyond 2025, we have a long-term vision outlined in the Turkic World Vision – 2040.
This document is our guiding framework, and it focuses on four key priority areas: deepening economic integration, accelerating digital transformation, ensuring environmental sustainability, and strengthening security cooperation. These objectives will continue to drive our work and shape our trajectory for the coming decades.
One of our key goals is to ensure the continued growth of cooperation across the 35 existing areas of collaboration. We will keep moving forward with the implementation of decisions made at our previous summits, ensuring that all initiatives deliver real and tangible benefits for our Member States.
Additionally, we plan to deepen our cooperation with international organizations and regional structures to strengthen our global presence and influence, ensuring that the Organization of Turkic States remains an active player in the international community.
Overall, our goal is to create a stronger, more united Turkic world, where cooperation and mutual benefit drive everything we do. The road ahead is ambitious, but we are moving forward with determination, guided by the motto: Together We are Stronger. EFE
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