Tokayev proposes Russia join OTS as an observer

Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has proposed that Russia join the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) as an observer.

“Operative Information Center-OMM” reports that Interfax published the information.

Speaking at the summit, Tokayev said it would be a proper and fair decision to respond positively to Russia’s interest in joining the format and invite it to participate in the OTS’s activities as an observer, with the aim of strengthening the organization’s standing.

The Kazakh president noted that Russia, a major power, had maintained close ties with the Turkic world for centuries.

“Many representatives of Turkic peoples have historically lived on the territory of this country. Russia is currently implementing the ‘Altai — Cradle of Turkic Civilization’ project, which Kazakhstan also supports. Many words in the Russian language are of Turkic origin. Overall, Russia becoming part of the Turkic states — that is, our organization — would benefit all our countries,” Tokayev stressed.

Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are full members of the Organization of Turkic States.