Aliyev Proposed Holding OTS Military Drills in Azerbaijan

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev called for the expansion of military cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).

"Given the extensive military, defense, and security cooperation of our countries, we propose holding joint military exercises of the OTS member states in Azerbaijan in 2026," Aliyev said in his address at the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) on October 7 in the Azerbaijani city of Gabala.

In his view, "today, the Organization of Turkic States is not just a platform for cooperation; it is being formed as one of the serious geopolitical centers."

"Our common historical and ethnic roots, and shared national and spiritual values unite us as one family," he continued.

Aliyev listed the factors transforming the OTS into an important player on the world stage.

"Internal political and economic stability, an important geostrategic location, a positive demographic situation and a young population, large opportunities in the transport and logistics sector, natural resources, as well as the growing potential in the military and military-technical fields, make the OTS an important actor on the world stage," Aliyev stated.

Transport and communication links are of strategic importance within the OTS, Aliyev further noted.

Emphasizing that the work carried out to utilize the potential of the Turkic world in transport, communication, transit, and other areas has led to the implementation of projects of global significance, the head of state pointed out that "Azerbaijan is an active participant in the East-West and North-South transport corridors."

In this context, he called the opening of the Zangezur Corridor an important outcome of the Washington Summit (of the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the United States).

"The Zangezur Corridor is of great importance as a new transport artery and a second route, both within the Middle Corridor and the North-South Corridor," the head of state stressed.

Aliyev also touched upon the prospects of a "green corridor" from the region to Europe.

"We are currently working on creating a Central Asia-Azerbaijan-Türkiye-Europe green energy corridor," the head of Azerbaijan said.

In his opinion, the initialing of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the White House in Washington two months ago will turn the South Caucasus into a space of peace.

For his part, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated, "We are not only following the developments in the South Caucasus, but we also sincerely support the steps being taken to establish peace and stability in the region."

In his view, "the Turkic world can play a more active role in ensuring the stability and security of our region in many respects."

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev supported the idea of creating an OTS+ format.

"The current geopolitical situation in the world is extremely complex, so the Turkic countries need to act together in common interests. Today, the world community has recognized us as strong and cohesive states capable of confronting serious challenges. Many countries show interest in the activities of our Organization. Kazakhstan supports the idea of creating the 'Organization of Turkic States +' format, whose main objective will be the further expansion of our cooperation. This initiative is undoubtedly intended to further enhance the international authority of the OTS," Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized.

He called on the Turkic states to take "the most active part in modernizing the infrastructure of air hubs, railway stations, and seaports along the Middle Corridor."

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev declared that the Joint Declaration between Azerbaijan and Armenia (the Washington Declaration) "is a victory for all Turkic peoples."

"This historical document provides opportunities for cooperation in areas such as economy, trade, and transport," he said.

Kyrgyzstan has prepared a roadmap for cooperation in the economy, trade, investment, and finance of the OTS countries, announced President Sadyr Japarov.

He also highlighted the Kyrgyz side's initiative to conclude an agreement on the mutual recognition of electronic digital signatures, which will ensure the legal recognition of digital documents.

The European Union (EU) should strengthen strategic relations with the Organization of Turkic States and Central Asian countries, said Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

According to him, the achievements and investments of the OTS countries are a "golden reserve" for the EU when viewed from Europe.

"We (Europe) have severed relations with Russia. The European Union must strengthen strategic ties with the Organization of Turkic States and Central Asian countries. We must correct the chaotic political situation in Europe. The war between Russia and Ukraine is perceived as the EU's war. Hungary opposes the war, considering a ceasefire to be important. By choosing peace, we also protect the security of Hungary," Orbán said.

The summit was attended by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov (observer), Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán (observer), President of the partially recognized "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" Ersin Tatar (guest), OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev, and other officials.