On October 7, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in the next meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States held in the city of Gabala.
According to the agenda, views were exchanged on the current state and prospects of multilateral cooperation within the organization, and urgent issues of practical partnership were discussed.
The leader of Uzbekistan at the summit emphasized the need for deep reform and improvement of the global governance system, the strengthening of the role of the UN and the Security Council, as well as the necessity of amplifying the voice of developing countries in international affairs.
It was noted that the escalating and seemingly endless conflicts and wars on the Eurasian continent are having a negative impact on the Organization’s member states. The tragedy in the Gaza Strip, the situation around Ukraine, the issue of Iran’s nuclear program, and the matter of stability in Afghanistan are of serious concern.
The head of Uzbekistan welcomed the efforts and new plans of the world's powerful states to form a just world order and to ensure mutual trust and security.
In order to analyze the global situation in depth and make necessary decisions, it was proposed to hold joint meetings of the foreign political bodies and special services of OTS countries and to organize the first such meeting next year in the city of Samarkand.
The head of state, in the main part of his speech, focused on specific issues regarding the further expansion of practical cooperation.
In order to expand and accelerate multifaceted partnership, it was proposed to develop a strategy for the development of the Organization of Turkic States up to 2030 and a special “roadmap” for its implementation. It was noted that these documents should reflect the following specific directions and measures.
First, the development of trade and economic relations and the deepening of industrial cooperation. The President of Uzbekistan once again stressed the importance of creating a New Economic Opportunities Area within the OTS in the near future, which would provide the most favorable conditions, legal basis, and infrastructure for trade, business, and mutual investment.
It was stated that it is important to establish a permanent council on economic partnership among Turkic states for the consistent development of practical cooperation and elaboration of specific projects, in particular, for agreeing plans within the Turkic Investment Fund. This permanent structure could be headed by Deputy Prime Ministers of Organization countries. It was proposed to locate the Council’s Project Office in Tashkent.
The leader of Uzbekistan emphasized that the following issues should be under the constant attention of the Council:
- Establishing a Turkic States Industrial Alliance, thereby facilitating the implementation of cooperation projects between leading companies in the fields of mechanical engineering, mining, electrical engineering, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, light industry, food production, and construction materials;
- Implementing the electronic "Turkic green corridors" system to further increase mutual trade volume and harmonize technical regulations;
- Joint implementation of projects in "green" energy, "green" hydrogen and ammonia, attracting advanced technologies, standards, and competencies, and broadly introducing public-private partnership mechanisms by establishing a "Green Transformation" consortium;
- Producing value-added products on the basis of developing a strategic raw materials base for minerals.
At the same time, it was noted as important to adopt a practical cooperation program based on the “raw materials - processing - science and technology - finished product” principle.
Second, ensuring food security. Considering present potential, OTS countries could become global leaders in the production and supply of organic agricultural products.
It was pointed out that it is necessary to strengthen scientific research and selection, industrial cooperation, and logistics ties for the production of high-quality and in-demand organic products.
Third, implementing a coordinated policy to strengthen transport connectivity and the development of international transit corridors.
Mirziyoyev supported plans for the consistent development of the Middle Corridor, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the competitiveness of this direction and creating the most favorable conditions for the business community.
In this regard, applying preferential transit tariffs, developing modern transport infrastructure, and introducing digital customs procedures are of significant importance.
If the Middle Corridor is connected with the under-construction China - Kyrgyzstan - Uzbekistan railway and the promising Trans-Afghan corridor, a multi-branched, strategic highway system will be created in the vast region.
All these transport initiatives are scheduled to be thoroughly discussed during the International Forum on Multimodal Transportation to be held in Tashkent on November 12.
Fourth, introduction of effective financial instruments for the implementation of large-scale industrial and infrastructure projects.
The President of Uzbekistan put forward the initiative to expand the activities of the Turkic Investment Fund and adopt a Strategic Partnership Program with the EIB, EBRD, and other international and national financial institutions.
Fifth, the development of artificial intelligence, digitalization, and creative economy, which are becoming key drivers of sustainable development.
To consolidate efforts in these areas, it was proposed to adopt a “road map” for the implementation of projects in the fields of artificial intelligence and creative economy.
The head of state also proposed holding the International Turkic World Exhibition in Uzbekistan.
Sixth, raising cooperation in science and education to a new level on the principle “Enlightenment against ignorance.”
It was noted that in 2025-2026, our country will chair the Union of Turkic Universities, uniting more than 100 educational institutions. Next week, the Union’s General Assembly will be held in Tashkent. During Uzbekistan's chairmanship, it is planned to hold “Turkic Science and Innovation Days.”
The President of Uzbekistan announced that, in order to strengthen cooperation in science and education and to encourage research by talented scientists, the International University of Turkic States will begin operations in our country. The head of state proposed to elaborate a Joint Research Support Program on its basis.
Seventh, preventing the spread of alien and destructive ideas among youth.
In this regard, it was proposed to adopt an Action Plan to combat extremist and radical ideology within the Turkic States area.
Uzbekistan will also continue close dialogue aimed at combating all manifestations of Islamophobia.
Additionally, it was emphasized the importance of developing joint measures on environmental awareness among young people within the Organization.
The leader of Uzbekistan proposed to hold an international scientific conference on the topic “The legacy of Nizami Ganjavi and Alisher Navoi in the spiritual life of the Turkic world.”
At the end of the summit, a joint decision and a package of documents aimed at further expanding mutually beneficial cooperation among the member states of the Organization were adopted.
