On Tuesday, October 7, 2025, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) convened its 12th Summit in Gabala, Azerbaijan, marking a significant transition as Kyrgyzstan officially handed over the chairmanship of the organization to Azerbaijan. The summit, themed “Regional Peace and Security,” brought together leaders and representatives from member states to discuss critical issues facing the Turkic world and to outline a path forward for enhanced cooperation and unity. The event underscored the OTS’s growing role as a platform for fostering collaboration among Turkic-speaking nations and addressing regional and global challenges.
In his keynote address, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov reflected on Kyrgyzstan’s tenure as chair of the OTS, emphasizing the achievements made during the past year. He noted that Kyrgyzstan had organized over 124 high-level events aimed at strengthening the organization’s unity, deepening cooperation, and advancing shared objectives among member states. These events covered a wide range of areas, including political dialogue, economic integration, cultural exchange, and security coordination. Japarov highlighted the significance of these initiatives in reinforcing the bonds among Turkic nations and positioning the OTS as a key player in regional affairs.
A central focus of Kyrgyzstan’s chairmanship was the promotion of economic integration among OTS member states. Japarov revealed that Bishkek had developed a comprehensive “roadmap for cooperation” in critical sectors such as economy, trade, investment, and finance. This roadmap was designed to facilitate greater economic collaboration, streamline trade processes, and attract investment to the region. By prioritizing these areas, Kyrgyzstan aimed to lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth and prosperity across the Turkic world. The roadmap also sought to address challenges such as infrastructure development, market access, and financial cooperation, which are vital for enhancing the region’s global competitiveness.
Japarov expressed deep gratitude to the OTS member countries—Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, along with observer states Hungary and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus—for their unwavering support and trust during Kyrgyzstan’s chairmanship. He acknowledged the collaborative spirit that had driven the organization’s activities over the past year and praised the member states for their commitment to the OTS’s shared vision. Japarov’s remarks underscored the importance of solidarity among Turkic nations, particularly in the face of complex global challenges.
As he handed over the chairmanship to Azerbaijan, Japarov expressed confidence in Azerbaijan’s ability to lead the organization forward. He highlighted Azerbaijan’s strong track record in promoting regional cooperation and its potential to further elevate the OTS’s standing on the international stage. “I am convinced that under Azerbaijan’s chairmanship, the organization will continue its progressive development, strengthen its authority on the international stage, and implement new and significant initiatives for the benefit of all Turkic peoples,” Japarov stated. His words reflected optimism about the organization’s future under Azerbaijan’s leadership and its capacity to address pressing regional and global issues.
The summit’s theme, “Regional Peace and Security,” resonated deeply with the leaders in attendance, as it addressed one of the most critical challenges facing the world today. Japarov emphasized that peace and security are foundational to the prosperity and stability of the Turkic world. He called for collective efforts to address conflicts and promote dialogue, noting that the OTS has a unique role to play in fostering stability in its region and beyond. The theme also highlighted the organization’s commitment to addressing both traditional and emerging security threats, including terrorism, cyberattacks, and geopolitical tensions.
In a poignant moment during his address, Japarov turned his attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, describing it as a “political and humanitarian tragedy.” He expressed solidarity with those affected by the crisis, stating that the Kyrgyz people share in the suffering of the victims. Japarov stressed the urgent need for a peaceful and just resolution to the conflict, one that adheres to international norms and principles. His remarks underscored the OTS’s broader commitment to advocating for peace and justice on the global stage, aligning with the organization’s mission to promote humanitarian values and mutual respect among nations.
Japarov concluded his speech by extending an invitation to OTS leaders to participate as international observers in Kyrgyzstan’s upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled for November 30, 2025. This gesture highlighted Kyrgyzstan’s commitment to transparency and democratic governance, as well as its desire to strengthen ties with other Turkic states through shared democratic values. The invitation also served as an opportunity to showcase Kyrgyzstan’s political progress and engage OTS members in its democratic processes.
As Azerbaijan assumes the chairmanship, the focus now shifts to its vision for the OTS. Azerbaijan is expected to build on the foundation laid by Kyrgyzstan, prioritizing initiatives that enhance economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and regional security. The country’s strategic location, rich cultural heritage, and growing economic influence position it well to lead the OTS in addressing both regional and global challenges. Azerbaijan’s leadership will likely emphasize strengthening trade ties, promoting sustainable development, and fostering dialogue to address security concerns.
The OTS, established in 2009 as the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States, has grown into a significant regional organization, uniting countries with shared linguistic, cultural, and historical ties. Its member states—Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan—along with observer states, work together to promote cooperation in areas such as trade, education, culture, and security. The organization has increasingly sought to amplify its voice on the international stage, advocating for the interests of Turkic peoples and contributing to global discussions on peace, security, and development.
The 12th OTS Summit in Gabala marked a pivotal moment for the organization, as it reaffirmed its commitment to unity and collaboration in the face of a rapidly changing global landscape. The handover of the chairmanship from Kyrgyzstan to Azerbaijan symbolizes the continuity of the OTS’s mission and its adaptability to new challenges. Under Azerbaijan’s leadership, the organization is poised to take bold steps toward deepening integration among member states and expanding its influence in regional and international affairs.
The summit also provided an opportunity for member states to reflect on the OTS’s achievements and chart a course for the future. Discussions during the event likely touched on key priorities such as energy cooperation, digital transformation, and climate change, which are critical to the region’s long-term prosperity. The OTS’s focus on regional peace and security aligns with broader global efforts to address conflicts and promote stability, making the organization an important player in multilateral diplomacy.
As the summit concluded, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the principles of the OTS, including mutual respect, equality, and cooperation. The transition to Azerbaijan’s chairmanship signals a new chapter for the organization, one that promises to build on past successes while addressing the evolving needs of the Turkic world. With its rich history of leadership and diplomacy, Azerbaijan is well-positioned to guide the OTS toward greater unity and influence in the years ahead.
In conclusion, the 12th OTS Summit in Gabala was a testament to the organization’s growing significance and its ability to adapt to the challenges of the modern world. Kyrgyzstan’s successful chairmanship laid the groundwork for Azerbaijan to take the helm, with a shared commitment to advancing the interests of Turkic peoples and promoting peace, security, and prosperity across the region. As the OTS continues to evolve, its role as a platform for dialogue and cooperation will remain vital in shaping the future of the Turkic world and its place in the global community.
