Azernews.Az

Akbar Novruz

Read more

A meeting of the Heads of Government/Vice President of the Member States of Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was held in Baku on April 2, AzerNEWS reports.

Addressing the meeting, Ali Asadov, Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, noted that the meeting held in the city of Bishkek last September was instrumental in reinforcing the institutional framework of multilateral cooperation and enhancing collaboration among the member states.

According to him, today, there are significant opportunities for the development of political, economic, transport, transit, energy security, digital transformation, humanitarian, and many other areas of cooperation among the Turkic states.

“Last year, Azerbaijan’s total trade with the member countries of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) increased by more than 5 percent. The total volume of Azerbaijan’s investments in the member states amounts to $21 billion. Joint investment funds established with a number of partner countries serve to expand mutual investments in priority areas and to further strengthen economic cooperation. However, our existing potential is far greater than the figures mentioned," PM Ali Asadov noted.

“The geostrategic position of the Turkic world creates great advantages for our countries. Our region, which connects Europe and Asia, is located at the intersection of the East-West and North-South, playing a critical role in global transport and logistics,” the Azerbaijani prime minister emphasized, adding that developing transport connections and expanding transit opportunities should be a top priority to efficiently utilize this potential.

Speaking at the event Cevdet Yılmaz, Vice President of Türkiye, said, “We expect the Turkic Investment Fund (TIF), as the first financial institution of the Turkic nations, to launch financing activities in the near future. It is crucial to continue our efforts to ensure that the Fund secures the position it deserves as a reputable financial institution at the international level."

Olzhas Bektenov, Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, touched upon the Middle Corridor, saying "We highly value the importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route. This year, Kazakhstan intends to sign a relevant intergovernmental agreement with Azerbaijan to enhance the institutional status of the Middle Corridor."

"Kazakhstan will also host an Informal OTS Summit on artificial intelligence and digital development, which I believe will inject new impetus to digital transformation, as well as contribute to fostering technological cooperation,” Olzhas Bektenov emphasized.

Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan highlighted Baku as an excellent platform for discussing crucial issues. “We believe that Azerbaijan's Chairmanship of OTS will add momentum to our cooperation and the previously reached agreements will be consistently implemented,” he noted.

Abdulla Aripov, Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, mentioned the economic integration issues, saying “We believe it is necessary to establish the Permanent Council on Economic Partnership of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), chaired by deputy prime ministers, aiming to enhance economic integration.”

"It is also crucial to intensify efforts to establish an Industrial Alliance of Turkic States, including the adoption of a cooperation program on strategic minerals aimed at creating full-scale production value chains," the Uzbek PM underlined.

Ünal Üstel, Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), stressed the significance of strategic solidarity among the Turkic states amid the existing challenges, including conflicts, climate change, irregular migration, and other crises.

“The development of international transport corridors is a significant contribution to the strengthening of economic integration between our countries. Turkmenistan, constantly promoting initiatives for the revival of the ancient Silk Road under modern conditions, attaches special importance to the development of transport corridors along the East-West and North-South routes,” said Nokerguli Atagulyyev, Turkmenistan's Deputy Prime Minister.

Kubanychbek Omuraliev, OTS Secretary General, noted that the OTS has demonstrated its role in strengthening cooperation and ensuring better intergovernmental relations.

In conclusion, the officials adopted the Joint Statement on the outcomes of the meeting.