President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a significant address at the 11th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Council of Heads of State, held under the theme “Strengthening the Turkic World: Economic Integration, Sustainable Development, Digital Future, and Security for All” in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. Expressing his pleasure at being in the ancestral lands, Erdoğan thanked Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov for his warm hospitality and expressed gratitude to outgoing chairman President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan for his contributions.

Erdoğan noted that they recently celebrated the 15th anniversary of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), highlighting Ismail Gasprinski’s motto, “Unity in Language, Thought, and Deed,” as a guiding principle. He presented commemorative coins with this motto to the leaders in attendance, saying, “With this opportunity, I commemorate Ismail Gasprinski and all those who dedicated their lives to the unity and brotherhood of the Turkic world.”

“We Must Act to Stop Israel”
Touching on the ongoing situation in Palestine, Erdoğan condemned Israel’s oppression in Gaza and other occupied Palestinian territories, criticizing the international community’s inadequate response. Erdoğan said, “Israel’s agenda of spreading bloodshed and sorrow across the region is evident in its attacks on Lebanon and Iran. Turkey does not accept these brutal and inhumane massacres,” emphasizing their commitment to achieving a lasting peace with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine.

Message on Cyprus and Northern Caucasus
Expressing his pleasure at seeing Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus President Ersin Tatar at the summit, Erdoğan stated that the Turkic world should support the cause of the Turkish Cypriots. “The more we embrace and stand in solidarity with the Turkish Cypriots’ just cause, the stronger we reinforce our own unity,” he noted. Erdoğan emphasized the importance of Northern Cyprus and Turkmenistan becoming full members of the organization.

Referring to the South Caucasus’s post-conflict transition to peace and stability after 30 years, Erdoğan celebrated Azerbaijan’s victory and expressed hope that these achievements would be cemented with a peace agreement.

“Working in Unity of Ideals”
Erdoğan underscored the shared destiny of the Turkic world and called on summit participants to “move forward together in unity of ideals.” He said, “The strong will that will keep the Turkic world alive forever is abundantly present in all friends around this table. Together, we will advance our organization further, working with unity and shared ideals.”

“We Will Work Towards the Century of the Turkic World”
Highlighting the potential of the Turkic world, Erdoğan advocated for increased cooperation in digital economy, energy, and transportation within the framework of the “2040 Vision.” He emphasized the historic significance of the unified Turkish alphabet project as a powerful symbol of their shared future.

Erdoğan also connected regional peace to developments in Afghanistan, affirming, “We stand with our Afghan brothers.” He highlighted the importance of supporting diplomatic efforts by the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) to end the war in Ukraine.

Reaffirming his support for regional projects like the “Middle Corridor” and the Turkic Investment Fund, Erdoğan said these steps create a strong foundation for the future.

In closing, Erdoğan declared the goal to make the coming era the “Century of the Turkic World,” stating, “We have come this far by overcoming obstacles and facing challenges. Yet, there is still a significant distance to travel.”