President Ilham Aliyev received the heads of government and high-ranking officials from the member and observer states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Baku on April 2. The delegation included Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Kazakh Prime Minister Oljas Bektenov, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyyev, Prime Minister of Northern Cyprus Unal Ustel, and OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliyev.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that the Turkic world is Azerbaijan's primary "family" and a cornerstone of its foreign policy. During his speech, the head of state highlighted the strategic importance of the Zangezur corridor, noting that 90% of the highway and 70% of the railway construction on Azerbaijani territory is complete. He also expressed gratitude for the support provided by brotherly nations in the restoration of Garabagh and East Zangezur, specifically mentioning schools and creative centers built by Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan in Fuzuli and Aghdam, as well as a sewing factory in Khankendi supported by Uzbekistan.
The Organization of Turkic States, established to promote comprehensive cooperation among Turkic-speaking nations, has increasingly focused on the "Middle Corridor" (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route). This strategic initiative aims to connect Asia and Europe through Central Asia and the South Caucasus, providing a reliable and efficient transit route. Azerbaijan's leadership within the OTS has been marked by a push for deeper economic ties, the institutionalization of the Turkic Investment Fund, and the strengthening of regional security through unified positions in international organizations.
Prime Minister Ali Asadov noted that the instructions provided by President Ilham Aliyev serve as a "roadmap" for the Cabinet of Ministers. The officials discussed increasing trade turnover, which has already seen Azerbaijan invest over $20 billion in the economies of OTS member states, with the majority directed toward Turkey. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further coordinate efforts ahead of the upcoming informal OTS summit scheduled for May 15 in Turkistan, Kazakhstan.
