WHAT IS THE ROLE OF KYRGYZSTAN IN THE ORGANIZATION OF TURKISH STATES?

The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is an organization that unites most of the Turkic-speaking countries, starting from the Mediterranean Sea and covering a number of countries of the Caucasus and Central Asia. The role and influence of resource-rich Kyrgyzstan in many international organizations is growing day by day. Usually, rich and big countries dominate and take the main role in international regional organizations, but the participation of each member of the organization is of great importance in OTS. Kyrgyzstan also has deep historical, cultural and linguistic ties with other Turkic-speaking countries that are members of the organization, and is playing an increasingly important role. The primary goal of the OTS is to strengthen peace and stability, to expand cooperation and relations between the Turkish states, as well as to develop the potential of the member states of the organization. The organization also aims to support the ability of its members to individually and collectively solve the problems of today, as stated in the document "Turkey's World Vision - 2040".

Origins of OTS?

Turning to the brief history of this organization, it was founded in 2009 as the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States (Council of Turkic States) and later renamed as the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in 2021. In 1992, the first summit of Turkic-speaking countries was held in Ankara, and the presidents of Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan participated in it. In 2009, the Nakhichevan Agreement was signed in Nakhichevan, and according to it, the international organization "Turkish Council" was officially established. The organization includes four of the six Turkish states: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey. On November 12, 2021, at the VIII Summit of the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States held in Istanbul, the "Turkish Council" was changed to the Organization of Turkic States. At the same summit, Turkmenistan received observer status. OTS consists of 5 member states (Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Uzbekistan) and 2 observer states (Hungary, Turkmenistan). The organization has several structural elements, including the Council of Presidents, the Council of Foreign Ministers, the Council of Elders, and the Committee of Senior Officials.

Historical and cultural relevance

The membership of the Kyrgyzstan in OTS is based on a common Turkic heritage that connections between other member states such as Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The Kyrgyz people, like other Turkic peoples, know that they have common linguistic roots, traditions, and historical narratives with these countries. This shared identity is the basis for OTS's mission to promote cultural solidarity and cooperation among its members. For Kyrgyzstan, OTS also serves as a platform to confirm and celebrate its Turkish heritage. By promoting Turkish languages, literature and common historical memory, Kyrgyzstan plays a key role in cultural initiatives of the organization, such as preservation of intangible cultural heritage and promotion of the Turkic world in international forums.

Economic cooperation and regional communication

Economic cooperation is also one of the pillars of OTS, and Kyrgyzstan benefits significantly from the organization's efforts to increase regional trade and connectivity. One of the main projects supported by OTS is the development of the Trans-Caspian East-West Trade and Transit Corridor, which aims to expand trade routes between Europe and Asia by bypassing Russia and linking Central Asia with Turkey and beyond via the Caspian Sea. As a landlocked country with a relatively small economy, Kyrgyzstan has much to gain from improving transport links with other Turkic states and increasing trade volume. Through OTS, Kyrgyzstan has actively participated in initiatives to simplify customs procedures, harmonize regulatory and legal acts, and improve infrastructure, making it an important player in regional economic integration efforts. In addition, the organization's efforts to promote investments and joint ventures in the Turkic world have opened up new opportunities for attracting foreign investment to Kyrgyzstan, especially from Turkey, which is one of the country's largest trading partners and investors. This economic partnership is very important for Kyrgyzstan, which is working to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on remittances from migrant workers abroad.

It should be noted that Kyrgyzstan has significantly increased trade with the member countries of the Organization of Turkic States, Minister of Economy of Kyrgyzstan Daniyar Amangeldiev said at the 13th meeting of Ministers of Economy and Trade of the OTC held in Bishkek. According to him, the total volume of trade increased by 62%, export by 54.6%, import by 66%. Amangeldiev also added this indicates the correctness of the economic policy, but the development of new opportunities for cooperation is needed to continue. One of the main projects discussed at the meeting was the construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, which will open up new logistics opportunities between Europe, China and the countries of Central Asia. The meeting also discussed the partnership agreement in the field of digital economy, which will strengthen trade relations in the era of green economy development and digital transformation. Natural resources and strategic position of OTS countries on world trade routes provide a solid basis for further strengthening of economic cooperation.

Political and diplomatic field

Kyrgyzstan also benefited from the political and diplomatic support offered by membership in the OTS. The organization serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation among its members on key regional and global issues ranging from security and counter-terrorism to regional stability and conflict resolution. TSU provides Kyrgyzstan with a multilateral forum where it can express its concerns and defend its interests in the international arena. For small countries like Kyrgyzstan, OTS is especially important in a region marked by complex geopolitical dynamics, where they must navigate between the influence of large and competing powers such as Russia, China, and the United States. For Kyrgyzstan, OTS also provides diplomatic support in solving internal problems. For example, as seen in the border disputes between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, in times of political instability or border tensions, the OTS creates a platform for dialogue and coordination with neighboring Turkish states, helping to reduce tensions and strengthen peace in the region. For example, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey raised issues of border tension regulation during his visit to the above-mentioned countries.

Cultural-educational exchanges

The Organization of Turkic States places particular emphasis on the development of cultural and educational exchanges between member states, and Kyrgyzstan has played an active role in these efforts. For example, the Union of Universities located in Turkic States is an initiative supported by OTS to develop cooperation between universities in the Turkic world, provide opportunities for student and academic exchange, joint research projects, and the development of common curricula that reflect Turkish history and culture. Kyrgyz students and scholars have benefited from scholarships, academic exchange programs, and joint research initiatives that have expanded educational opportunities and deepened cultural ties with other Turkic-speaking countries. These exchanges contribute not only to the personal and professional development of the young citizens of Kyrgyzstan, but also to the unity between the young generations of the Turkic people.
Jalal-Abad was recognized as the tourist center of the Turkish World in 2025
This year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Organization of Turkic States. Kyrgyzstan is one of the founding members of this organization, an active participant in the organization's initiatives, and has been benefiting from the deepening of integration in the Turkic world. On September 25, at the 9th meeting of the Council of Ministers on Tourism of OTS, it was announced that Jalal-Abad should be the tourist center of the Turkish world for 2025. The meeting was attended by Maksat Usubaliev, director of the Department of Economy and Trade Tourism of the Kyrgyz Republic, and the deputy head of the OTS, Mirvohid Azimov, the authorized representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic in Jalal-Abad region, Tilek Tekebaev, and high-ranking representatives from Kazakhstan, Turkey and Uzbekistan took part in the meeting.

Another important field worth mentioning is Artificial Intelligence. OTS forum on artificial intelligence was successfully held on October 9-10. This forum brought together more than 300 participants and 46 speakers from 20 countries, becoming a unique platform for discussing the future of technology and its impact on our world. On November 5-6 of this year, OTS plans to hold the 11th International Summit in Bishkek.

Erkinbek KAMALOV.