Turkic speaking states’ coop to boost development of Asian region (UPDATE-2)
The strengthening of cooperation between the Turkic speaking states is an important step towards the development of the Asian region, Turkish president Abdullah Gul said, during his speech at the opening of the Summit of the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States held in Azerbaijani city of Gabala on Aug. 16.
"Turkic speaking countries support each other on the world arena and enjoy each other's successes. Today we must even further strengthen support and unite our efforts. For that purpose, the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking Countries exists," Turkish President said.
According to Gul, the Turkic world plays an important role in the whole world, and exactly because of this the countries should coordinate their efforts for development of the Turkic world.
The Turkic speaking countries have not only common language, history, culture and religion, but also a common will to strengthen the future of the Turkic world.
Gul went on to say that joint transport and energy projects will transform the region of the Turkic countries into the centre of the world's economy.
"The Turkic-speaking countries need to restore the historic Silk Road which has both political and economic significance for the world. The modern concept of the Silk Road comprises collaborative energy, transport and logistics projects that will aid the development of the entire region. All of these projects will transform the Turkic world into the centre of the world economy and development," Turkish President said.
According to him, the construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway is a strategically important project.
"The project will change the dynamics of the region. Currently work is successfully on-going. This project will bring together Turkic states through the railway and contribute to the development of the economy and trade between these countries. We are doing our best to complete the construction of the railway as soon as possible. The organisation of a ferry service between the ports of Baku and Aktau and Turkmenbashi is considered as a continuation of this project. It is very important to realise this project in the near future," Gul said.
He added that with the launch of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway in 2014 and the start of operation of the Marmaray rail tunnel in Istanbul, a direct rail link between West Asia and Europe will be established.
"These projects will give a strong boost to the economy and welfare of the inhabitants of these states. Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are also showing interest in the project and this would mean all the Turkic speaking states will be connected by a single railway project," he said.
In addition the states are considering issues of cooperation in the field of the road infrastructure, Gul said.
"It is necessary to facilitate the procedures for using the main road among the states as well as standardize and modernize the checkpoints between the countries. If the checkpoints are not be upgraded there will be problems with regards to the transportation of passengers and goods in the framework of railway projects.
"Moreover, it is necessary to expand capacity at the ports on the Caspian Sea. In this area, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan are developing appropriate projects. The organization of ro-ro voyages is also being prioritized," the Turkish president said.
Only by combining the efforts and helping each other, Turkic-speaking states will be able to solve the existing problems in the Turkic world, Gul noted.
"The Turkic speaking states have always supported and enjoyed each other's successes. Together, Turkic-speaking states will be able to solve the existing problems in the Turkic world," Turkish President said.
He expressed confidence that the states will continue to implement projects aimed at strengthening cooperation, since this is an important step in the development of the Asian region.
"Turkic countries support each other on the world stage. Today, we must further strengthen support and work together. This is what the purpose of the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States is about," Turkish President said.
According to Gul, the Turkic world plays an important role in world affairs and that is why the countries should coordinate their efforts for the development of the Turkic world.
The Turkic speaking countries not only share a common language, history, culture and religion, but also the common desire to strengthen the future of the Turkic world.
The 3rd Summit of Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States has been held in Gabala, Azerbaijan.
The Summit brought together President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Turkish President Abdullah Gul, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev and Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev.
The Summit was opened by Kyrgyz leader Almazbek Atambayev.
The Summit saw the chairmanship of the organization pass to Azerbaijan. The event then continued with a ceremony to sign documents.
The presidents of Azerbaijan, Turkey, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan signed the Declaration of the 3rd Summit of Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States and the resolution of the Council of Heads of State of Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States on the term of office of Secretary General, Ambassador Halil Akinci.
The Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States was established in 2009 as an international intergovernmental organization, with the overarching aim of promoting comprehensive cooperation among Turkic Speaking States. Its four founding member States are Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey.
The first Summit of the Council took place in Almaty in 2011, while the second in Bishkek last year.