The 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States, a multilateral international meeting, was held on 7 October 2025 in Gəbələ, Azerbaijan. The summit was hosted by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and convened at the Heydar Aliyev Congress Center under the theme “Regional Peace and Security.” During the summit, three key documents were signed among member states: the Gəbələ Summit Declaration of the OTS, the Decision on the Establishment of the OTS Plus Format, and the Decision on Strengthening and Developing TÜRKSOY.
The summit was attended by the heads of state of Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar, participated as observers. OTS Secretary General Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliyev was also present at the meeting.
Diplomatic Consultations Prior to the Summit
Meeting Between President Ilham Aliyev and the OTS Secretary General
Before the summit, on 6 October 2025, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev received OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliyev in Gəbələ. During the meeting, the parties reviewed ongoing cooperation initiatives within the OTS framework. Omuraliyev congratulated Aliyev on the Joint Declaration signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington. Aliyev emphasized Azerbaijan’s commitment to strengthening the OTS and enhancing solidarity among member states.
Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers
On 7 October 2025, prior to the summit, a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Turkic States was held. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attended on behalf of Türkiye. Fidan stated that the Turkish world must become an essential actor in regional balances and that lasting peace and stability can only be achieved through strengthened coordination among members. He addressed issues including the peace process in the South Caucasus, the ceasefire in Gaza, Syria’s territorial integrity and the status of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Foreign Minister Tahsin Ertuğruloğlu, who attended the meeting, thanked Azerbaijan for hosting and stated that ending the isolation faced by the Turkish Cypriot people is a shared responsibility. Ertuğruloğlu highlighted the strategic importance of the Eastern Mediterranean and declared, “The security of the TRNC is closely tied to the unwavering support of the motherland, the Republic of Türkiye.”
Participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrived in Gəbələ, Azerbaijan, on the morning of 7 October 2025 aboard the “TC-TUR” aircraft from Istanbul to attend the 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States. Erdoğan departed from Atatürk Airport at 09:15 and was greeted at Gəbələ International Airport by Azerbaijani Minister of Science and Education Emin Emrullayev, Gəbələ Regional Governor Sebuhi Abdullayev, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Ankara Reşad Məmmədov and Turkish Ambassador to Baku Birol Akgün.
President Erdoğan was accompanied by Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, AK Party Deputy Chairmen Hayati Yazıcı, Kürşad Zorlu and Halit Yerebakan, AK Party Deputy Group Chair Leyla Şahin Usta, Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, Presidential Advisor on Foreign Policy and Security Akif Çağatay Kılıç, MHP General Secretary İsmet Büyükataman, Chairman of the Turkey-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Friendship Group Şamil Ayrım and AK Party Member of Parliament for Istanbul Derya Ayaydın.
Commencement of the Summit and Opening Ceremony
Opening of the Summit
The 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States opened on 7 October 2025 in Gəbələ, Azerbaijan, hosted by President Ilham Aliyev at the Heydar Aliyev Congress Center. Prior to the opening ceremony, leaders of member and observer states gathered for a traditional family photograph.
The family photograph included Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov, Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Turkmenistan’s National Leader and Chairman of the People’s Council Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ersin Tatar and OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliyev.
Statements by Heads of State
Address by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev
Aliyev delivered an address at the 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States held in Gəbələ. He stated that the OTS is not merely a platform for cooperation but has evolved into a significant geopolitical center. He expressed satisfaction with the growing international influence of the organization.
Aliyev emphasized that shared history, ethnic roots, and national and spiritual values unite the Turkic world like a family. In this context, he announced Azerbaijan’s contribution of two million dollars to support the OTS Secretariat. He highlighted that stability, strategic geographic location, favorable demographics, transportation and logistics capabilities, natural resources, and enhanced military capacity have transformed the OTS into a major actor on the global stage. “Peace and security are the primary drivers of development for every country today. The preservation of peace and security are among the fundamental objectives outlined in the Nakhchivan Agreement, the founding document of our organization. It is essential that Turkic states act as a unified force in addressing global security challenges,” he said.
Aliyev stressed that development is impossible without security. “In an era when the fundamental principles of international law are openly violated, military and military-technical cooperation among our countries holds great importance. There is already deep cooperation between Azerbaijan and Türkiye. In the past year alone, we have conducted more than twenty-five joint exercises with Türkiye. Considering the broad cooperation in defense and security among OTS member states, I propose that in 2026, joint military exercises be held in Azerbaijan involving all OTS countries,” he said.
He noted that military strength is the primary pillar of national independence in the modern world. He recalled the victory achieved in the Second Karabakh War and the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. Aliyev emphasized that the peace agreement initialed between Azerbaijan and Armenia at the summit in Washington will transform the South Caucasus into a zone of peace. “We will never forget the occupation or the memory of our martyrs. We avenged them on the battlefield,” he said.
He emphasized the strategic importance of transportation and logistics for the Turkic states. “One of the significant outcomes achieved at the Washington Summit is the opening of the Zangezur Corridor. The Zangezur Corridor is a new transportation route and artery within the framework of both the Middle Corridor and the North-South Corridor,” he said. Additionally, Aliyev highlighted the importance of energy security, reminding the audience that the Caspian region’s energy resources are being delivered to global markets via oil and natural gas pipelines.
Speech by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
President Erdoğan, addressing participants at the 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States held in Gəbələ, Azerbaijan, expressed his delight at being in Gəbələ on the occasion of the summit. Erdoğan thanked Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov for his contributions during his term as chair of the Organization and extended his gratitude to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for hosting the event, wishing him great success in his upcoming term as chair.
Erdoğan congratulated the participants on October 3, Turkic States Cooperation Day, stating that “over the past 16 years, the Organization has consistently added new achievements to its record of unity in language, thought, and action.” He continued: “We face an international system in which the United Nations Security Council, whose multilateralism is increasingly eroding, remains indifferent to many issues that wound the conscience of humanity. Today, many international and regional organizations are perceived by public opinion as ineffective, mere burdens on shoulders, because they are not built upon our noble shared values of history, culture, and common ideals. It is of great importance that our Organization transforms into a structure that adapts to these changing conditions, demonstrates a unified stance on international issues, and is trusted for its words and its commitment to justice. As Türkiye, we find it highly appropriate and meaningful that the theme of our summit is ‘Regional Peace and Security.’”
Erdoğan drew attention to the importance of enhancing cooperation while also increasing dialogue with third parties amid a challenging security environment. “We never view our Organization as an isolated structure. We must realize a vision that actively engages with other relevant international organizations and alliances to make its voice and strength heard. In this context, I sincerely believe that the OTS Plus format we have agreed upon today will bring new momentum to our cooperation with third parties.”
Erdoğan stated that as a “family council,” the Turkic states are ready to contribute in every area of common interest, especially in building capacity for security. “We believe we can collectively confront challenges ranging from terrorism and illegal migration to cyber threats and climate change, and strengthen our own security under our shared sky. I regard the First Meeting of Turkic States Defense Industries held in July as a significant step in this regard. I wish to underline that it is crucial to sustain the momentum we have achieved. We believe the Turkish world can play a more active role in the stability and security of our region. It is vital that our Organization demonstrates a firm stance against the numerous conflicts, wars, and violations of international law occurring in our immediate neighborhood.”
Erdoğan welcomed recent developments aimed at halting the massacres in Gaza that have claimed the lives of 66,000 innocent people, saying: “We firmly believe that only a two-state solution based on the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people derived from international legitimacy and law can open the door to lasting and just peace. We are resolutely continuing our efforts in this direction.”
President Erdoğan stressed that establishing stability in Syria is an indispensable requirement for ensuring security in the region and beyond. “Despite numerous challenges, the progress achieved by the Syrian government in the past nine months gives us hope for the future. During this period, we must focus on improving Syria’s political, economic, and security environment while preserving its territorial integrity and unity, and as Turkic states, we must advance our engagement with the Syrian government. We do not merely observe developments in the South Caucasus; we sincerely support the steps taken toward establishing peace and stability in the region. We view the joint declaration signed by Azerbaijan and Armenia on August 8 as a positive step and hope for its continuation.”
Erdoğan expressed satisfaction with the agreement reached in March regarding the demarcation of the border tripoint between Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. “I congratulate President Mirziyoyev and President Japarov for resolving this long-standing issue with wisdom and prudence. I also extend my congratulations to the leadership of Tajikistan from here.”
President Erdoğan noted that the Turkic states are aware that economic development, social welfare, and strengthened cultural ties can contribute to regional stability, and he described initiatives in transportation, energy security, and commercial integration as complementary elements of this approach. Erdoğan emphasized that enhancing energy and communication links through targeted projects and investments serves everyone’s interests and underscored the need to make the Caspian Transit Middle Corridor even more efficient.
Erdoğan highlighted that the Turkic states must establish strong cooperation and undertake high-value joint investments in science and technology to reach their rightful position in these fields as quickly as possible. “To keep pace with global developments in artificial intelligence and preserve our cultural richness, we must accelerate the development of the Turkish Large Language Model. Türkiye has taken the first step on the issue of a common alphabet by publishing a work about Chingiz Aytmatov in the common alphabet alongside the Oghuznameler. Today, we are presenting one copy of this publication to each leader.”
Erdoğan said, “We hope to see our Turkmen brothers and sisters as full members of our family council very soon.” He also stated that they plan to convene the Turk World Publishing Congress in Ankara next January. “I wish for 15 December to be declared as World Turkic Language Family Day during the 43rd General Conference of UNESCO to be held in Samarkand starting 31 October. I extend my best wishes to our Uzbek brothers and sisters for the successful organization of this important general conference.”
Erdoğan expressed satisfaction that Hungary is participating as an observer at the summit from the western flank of the Turkic world. He noted that the presence of Ersin Tatar, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, alongside Ankara, Shusha and Bishkek, in Gebele is a sign of solidarity within the Turkic world.
President Erdoğan said, “I am pleased to observe that the two states have not left our Turkic brothers and sisters in Cyprus alone in their pursuit of a just solution. I also welcome Turkmenistan’s participation as an observer member of the Turkic Academy and the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation. We hope to see our Turkmen brothers and sisters as full members of our family council very soon. I wish to emphasize on this occasion that I consider it important for member states to appoint permanent representatives at their secretariats to accelerate the institutional functioning of our organization. I also call on those members who have not yet taken this step to appoint permanent representatives.”
Erdoğan emphasized that as Turkic states, “we are moving confidently into the future with solidarity, mutual respect and a spirit of brotherhood.” He added, “It is we who will strengthen the greater Turkic world and leave it as a legacy to our children. I wish that the Gebele Declaration we are about to sign and the decisions we will adopt bring blessings to the Turkic world and all friendly and brotherly countries.”
Statement by KKTC President Ersin Tatar
In his speech at the 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States held in Gebele, Azerbaijan, President Ersin Tatar of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) stated, “Although Turkic states are represented by different borders and flags, we are all heirs to the same history, faith, language and epics.” He added, “As the Turkic people of Cyprus, we feel our color in the flag of every brother Turkic state and our emotion in every anthem. This emotional bond makes us one large family.”
Tatar noted that in a time of global instability, the Organization of Turkic States has assumed responsibility not only regionally but also within the global architecture of peace. He pointed out that the world is undergoing a turbulent process and that the tragedy in Gaza is the most concrete evidence that the current international system has lost its capacity to produce justice.
Tatar stated that the TRNC, due to its geographical position, serves as a gateway for the Organization of Turkic States to Europe, Africa and the Middle East. He added that the TRNC occupies a natural crossroads in the fields of transportation, logistics, higher education, tourism, green energy and the digital economy. “As representatives of the Turkic presence in the Eastern Mediterranean, we take pride in contributing to the Turkic world’s goals of energy security, maritime trade and regional peace.”
Tatar emphasized that the increasing armament activities of the Greek Cypriot administration constitute a threat to both the island and the security of the Eastern Mediterranean. “The TRNC is the legitimate representative of the Turkic world in the Eastern Mediterranean and a strong advocate for peace. Despite facing unjust and unlawful isolation on the international stage, we look to the future with confidence through our institutional capacity, inclusive democracy and growing economy.”
Tatar stated that the Turkic people of Cyprus have always sought solutions based on their own will, grounded in equality and mutual respect. “Today, the two-state solution is the only path to a fair, sustainable and lasting peace that reflects the realities on the island. The continued solidarity of the Turkic world and its support for the just struggle of the Turkic people of Cyprus will remain a great source of strength for us.”
Tatar emphasized that the Organization of Turkic States is ready to play an active role in all areas of its activities. He announced that the TRNC aims to establish the Turkic Youth Academy to bring together the youth of the Turkic world.
The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus has thanked President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan for his hospitality. He concluded his speech by stating: “The Organization of Turkic States is not only the legacy of our shared history but also the greatest guarantee of our common future. This organization is the symbol of the collective intellect and shared will of the Turkic world. Every decision made here contributes to the establishment of peace, stability, and justice not only for our countries but for all of humanity. May the unity, solidarity, and determined commitment of the Turkic world toward a common future endure forever.”
Speech by Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov
Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov expressed his appreciation to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for the warm hospitality extended to him in the ancient city of Gobustan.
Japarov said: “Following the Gobustan Summit, the Kyrgyz Republic formally concludes its term as chair of the Organization of Turkic States and passes the flag to our brotherly Republic of Azerbaijan. I am confident that under Azerbaijan’s leadership, the organization will continue its development, strengthen its authority on the international stage, and implement new and significant initiatives for the benefit of all Turkic peoples.”
The President of Kyrgyzstan extended thanks to all member states for the support and trust they showed during his country’s term as chair. He announced that Kyrgyzstan had prepared a Roadmap to strengthen cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, and finance. He noted that this document would accelerate the deepening of economic ties among member states.
Japarov stated: “This term has been significant and challenging for us. Throughout the year, we have made important contributions to strengthening our unity, enhancing cooperation, and advancing our common goals.” He described the suffering in Gaza as a “political and humanitarian tragedy,” affirmed that the Kyrgyz people share in this pain, and emphasized the need for a just resolution to the issue through peaceful means in accordance with international norms and principles. At the end of his speech, Japarov invited member states of the Organization of Turkic States to participate as international observers in the parliamentary elections to be held in Kyrgyzstan on 30 November.
Speech by Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev
Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his gratitude to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for the hospitality extended to him in Gobustan. Recalling the celebration of Turkic States Cooperation Day on 3 October, he emphasized that this day further strengthens fraternal bonds. He highlighted that the Organization of Turkic States has become a “selective and effective platform” bringing together friendly nations. He acknowledged the contributions made by Kyrgyzstan during its previous term as chair and expressed confidence that under Azerbaijan’s new leadership, the Organization of Turkic States will further enhance its reputation.
Tokayev pointed out that the current global security architecture is undergoing “a serious test.” He stated: “Conflicts, tensions, and geopolitical rivalries have become a dangerous trend affecting every country in the world.” He underscored that the peace declaration signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia represents a historic step, adding: “This landmark agreement has also opened the path toward lasting stability and economic growth.”
The President of Kazakhstan emphasized that unity among Turkic states is vital for safeguarding and advancing common interests in today’s complex geopolitical environment. He remarked: “Today, the international community sees us as strong, resilient, and united peoples.” Noting growing interest in the Organization of Turkic States from other countries, he announced Kazakhstan’s support for the initiative to create the “Organization of Turkic States Plus (OTS+)” format aimed at expanding cooperation.
Tokayev proposed the establishment of a “Cybersecurity Council” within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States. He noted that member states already cooperate in combating terrorism, organized crime, and drug trafficking, but stressed that the creation of a joint structure in the field of cybersecurity is essential to meet today’s needs.
The President of Kazakhstan stated that each member state possesses its own unique strengths. He emphasized the importance of advancing commercial and economic projects based on existing mechanisms. He noted the need to evaluate the opportunities offered by the Turkic Investment Fund and to prepare a list of projects to be financed by the fund. He also announced that the Meeting of Turkic States Ministers of Economy will be held in November 2025 in the city of Turkistan, Kazakhstan.
Tokayev called for elevating cooperation in transportation and logistics to a new level. “Our countries are located at the very heart of Eurasia. Five international railway lines pass through Kazakhstan. Approximately 85 percent of cargo transported between Asia and Europe crosses our territory.” He highlighted that the volume of cargo transported along the Central Corridor has increased sixfold over the past five years and invited Turkic states to actively participate in the modernization of this corridor.
Tokayev has noted that efforts to digitize the transportation and transit sectors have accelerated. In this context, he highlighted the increasing use of artificial intelligence technologies and proposed the establishment of a “Digital Monitoring Center” within the organization, staffed by experts from member states. Furthermore, on the basis of the recently opened “Alem.AI” Artificial Intelligence Center in Astana, he proposed the development of joint projects, including the creation of a Council of Excellence in Energy Efficiency to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector between the Organization of Turkic States Digital Innovation Center and relevant institutions.
Tokayev also emphasized the importance of cooperation in the management of water resources. “We harbor deep concerns regarding the shrinking of the Caspian Sea. We must give special attention to improving the condition of the Caspian Sea, which has always held a special place for the ancient Turkic peoples and symbolizes our shared heritage. I call on all parties to unite their efforts in this endeavor,” he stated.
The President of Kazakhstan underscored the importance of educating younger generations in the spirit of brotherhood. “In this regard, we propose organizing the Creative Economy Forum in Almaty next year. This forum will bring our youth closer together and enhance their knowledge and skills,” he said. He also indicated that his country is prepared to host an event that will bring together the academic and intellectual circles of the Turkic States. He proposed the establishment of a Turkic World Researchers Club within the Turkic Academy, headquartered in Kazakhstan.
Address by Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev
Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a speech at the 12th Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States. At the outset of his address, he characterized the Peace Declaration signed by Azerbaijan and Armenia as a “common victory of all Turkic peoples.” He noted that this historic agreement has opened wide opportunities for trade, economy, transportation, and human cooperation among member states of the organization.
Mirziyoyev drew attention to the fact that the summit took place amid complex geopolitical shifts worldwide and rising security threats. He stated that these global and Eurasian challenges, marked by tensions and conflicts, have negatively affected the Turkic states. He expressed deep concern over the humanitarian tragedy in the Gaza Strip, the situation in Ukraine, Iran’s nuclear program, and issues concerning Afghanistan’s stability.
Mirziyoyev said, “We welcome the efforts and new initiatives by powerful countries of the world to establish a fair global order and ensure mutual trust and security. In particular, we commend and fully support the practical efforts of the President of the Republic of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, aimed at resolving problems through constructive dialogue.”
The President of Uzbekistan proposed the regular convening of joint meetings between the Foreign Ministers and heads of intelligence agencies of the Organization of Turkic States to analyze the global situation and make informed decisions. He suggested that the first such meeting be held in Samarkand next year.
Mirziyoyev noted that the Organization of Turkic States has rapidly evolved into an effective international organization, with cooperation currently underway in over thirty-five areas, and projected that trade volume will double by 2030. He stated that strengthening the organization’s position and firmly establishing it as an effective platform for cooperation in the near future remain top priorities.
Mirziyoyev said, “In this context, we propose that the Strategic Partnership, Eternal Friendship and Brotherhood Agreement among Turkic states be promptly adopted by consensus. This important agreement will serve as a foundational political document to further unite our brotherly peoples and elevate practical cooperation to a new level.”
Mirziyoyev proposed the development of the Organization of Turkic States 2030 Development Strategy and Roadmap to expand and accelerate multilateral partnerships. In this framework, he stated that enhancing commercial and economic relations among member states and deepening industrial cooperation are key objectives.
Mirziyoyev has proposed the establishment of a Permanent Council for Economic Cooperation among Turkic States, to be overseen by deputy prime ministers, with the aim of supporting projects of the Turkish Investment Fund and enhancing concrete economic collaboration. He has announced that Tashkent is ready to allocate space for this council.
Mirziyoyev stated that new initiatives could be launched within the council’s framework and proposed the creation of a Green Transformation Consortium in partnership with the Turkish Industrialists’ and Businessmen’s Association. He emphasized that this consortium should operate in the fields of green energy, advanced technologies, and strategic minerals.
Mirziyoyev also shared his vision for transport and logistics. He stressed the importance of strengthening transport relations among Turkic states and pursuing a coordinated policy in developing international transit corridors. He highlighted the necessity of reasonable tariffs and digital customs procedures to enhance the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor. He noted that linking the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway line with the Trans-Afghan Railway would create a strategic land transport system.
Mirziyoyev also addressed food security, drawing attention to the potential of Turkic States Organization member countries in this area. He proposed establishing a working group of experts with the goal of presenting organic products on the global market under a single brand. Mirziyoyev observed that artificial intelligence, digitalization, and the creative economy have become key drivers of sustainable development in the region and proposed integrating efforts across these sectors and adopting a common roadmap for artificial intelligence and creative economy projects.
Signing Ceremony and Closing Program
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and other heads of state signed the TDT Gebele Summit Declaration, the Decision on the Establishment of the TDT+ Format, and the Decision on Strengthening and Developing TÜRKSOY during a signing ceremony held as part of the 12th Turkic States Organization Summit. Following the ceremony, the leaders gathered for a group family photograph. During this time, President Erdoğan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev engaged in a brief conversation.
Later in the summit, the leaders joined via video conference to participate in the foundation-laying ceremony for the Fuzuli Mosque, to be constructed through the joint efforts of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. At the ceremony, the first concrete was poured into the mosque’s foundation as the leaders pressed buttons before them.
After the conclusion of the meetings, the leaders of member states attended an official dinner hosted by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. The dinner took place at the Nohur Lake State Guesthouse. It was reported that during the closed-door event, the leaders exchanged assessments on issues discussed at the summit. Following the official dinner, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan concluded his engagements and departed for Gebele Airport.
