The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is an international organization established to strengthen the economic, political and cultural cooperation of the Turkic world. The foundations of the OTS were laid in 2009 with the Nakhchivan Agreement, and today it plays an active role in the regional and global arena with member states such as Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, as well as observer countries.
The Organization of Turkic States has determined strategic goals in areas such as economic growth, security cooperation and sustainable development, based on the common cultural heritage and historical ties among member countries. This organization continues its activities to ensure that the Turkic world has a stronger voice in the international arena and to protect and develop Turkish culture, language and civilization. Continue reading our article to get detailed information about the purpose of the establishment of TDT, its history, structure and future goals.
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What is the Organization of Turkic States?
The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is an international organization established to strengthen economic, political, cultural and social cooperation among Turkic-speaking countries. Officially established in 2009 with the Nakhchivan Agreement, the organization was initially formed by Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Over time, it expanded with the participation of countries such as Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
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The main purpose of TDT is to contribute to regional and global peace, stability and prosperity based on the common historical, linguistic and cultural ties between member states. In this context, the organization carries out cooperation activities in areas such as trade, transportation, energy, tourism, youth and sports. The Organization of Turkish States attracts attention as a strategic structure that aims to make the Turkish world a more effective power in the international arena.
History and Development of the Organization of Turkish States
The history of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) emerged as a result of the need for cooperation among Turkic-speaking countries. The first official steps towards cooperation among Turkic states were taken in the early 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union. With the first "Turkic-speaking Countries Summit" organized under the leadership of Turkey in 1992, regular summit meetings began to be held between the leaders of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
As a result of these summits, an official organization called the Turkic Council was established in 2009 with the Nakhchivan Agreement, and the aim of the organization was determined to ensure multi-faceted cooperation among member countries. At the 8th summit held in Istanbul on November 12, 2021, the Turkic Council was renamed the "Organization of Turkic States" and was restructured with a new identity and expanded mission.
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Since its establishment, the organization has achieved significant growth by implementing cooperation projects in economic, cultural and strategic areas. Developments such as Uzbekistan joining as a full member in 2018 and Turkmenistan gaining observer status reflect the organization's expanding vision and growth process. Today, the Organization of Turkic States continues its work to increase the effectiveness of the Turkic world in the international arena, strengthen economic cooperation and preserve the common cultural heritage.
Who are the members of the Organization of Turkic States?
The Organization of Turkic States (TDT) is an international organization established to develop cooperation and solidarity among Turkish-speaking countries. The current member and observer countries of the organization are as follows:
TDT Member Countries:
Turkiye : As one of the founding members of TDT, Turkey leads both political and economic cooperation as a central actor of the organization.
Azerbaijan : Azerbaijan is also among the founding members and plays an active role in the organization. After the Karabakh Victory, its influence in the region has increased even more.
Kazakhstan : Kazakhstan, the largest economy in Central Asia, is one of the important members of the organization and actively participates in various cooperation projects.
Kyrgyzstan : Kyrgyzstan, another founding member of TDT, participates in many activities of the organization and takes part in joint projects.
Uzbekistan : Uzbekistan, which joined the organization as a full member in 2019, contributes to the organization's economic and cultural cooperation efforts.
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TDT Observer Countries:
Hungary : Hungary received observer status in 2018. It actively participates in the organization's activities due to its cultural and historical ties with Central Asia and the Turkic world.
Turkmenistan : Turkmenistan, which joined the organization as an observer member in 2021, has the potential to become a full member in the future and cooperates in energy and transportation.
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) : Accepted as an observer member in 2022.
These members and observers work together to increase economic, cultural, political and strategic cooperation in line with the goals of the Organization of Turkic States.
The Structure and Institutions of the Organization of Turkish States
The structure and institutions of the Organization of Turkic States (TDT) consist of various bodies and platforms established to ensure effective cooperation among member countries. The structure of the organization operates within an institutional framework supported by a series of meetings and committees at the heads of state, ministers and expert levels.
Main Structure of the Organization:
Council of Heads of State : It is the highest decision-making body of the TDT and consists of the heads of state of the member countries. The Council determines the main policies of the organization, establishes its strategic goals and presents a common stance on international issues. This council, which meets once a year, is the main authority that determines the direction of the organization.
Council of Foreign Ministers : This council, composed of the foreign ministers of the member countries, supervises the implementation of the decisions taken by the heads of state and coordinates the foreign policy orientation of the organization. It also contributes to the preparation of agreements and protocols in the fields of cooperation.
Committee of Senior Officials : This committee, consisting of senior officials from the foreign ministries of member countries, monitors the implementation of policies determined by the Heads of State and the Councils of Foreign Ministers and supports the executive processes.
Secretariat of the Organization of Turkic States : It is the administrative body of the organization and is located in Istanbul. The secretariat, managed by the Secretary General, is responsible for ensuring the daily functioning of the organization, organizing meetings, coordinating the implementation of decisions taken, and facilitating communication between member countries.
Private Institutions and Infrastructures:
Turkish Investment Fund : This fund, which was decided to be established in 2022, was created to increase economic cooperation between member countries and provide financial support for joint projects. The fund aims to support economic integration by financing regional development projects.
Turkish Academy : The Turkish Academy, headquartered in Nur-Sultan (Astana) city of Kazakhstan, was established to support scientific research and educational activities related to the Turkish world. The academy conducts research and develops joint projects in areas such as history, language, culture and civilization.
Turkish Culture and Heritage Foundation : Headquartered in Baku, this foundation undertakes the task of protecting and promoting Turkish cultural heritage. It organizes cultural events, publishes, and promotes cultural exchange programs among member countries.
Turkish Business Council : It was established to strengthen trade and investment relations between member countries. The Business Council aims to increase commercial and economic cooperation by bringing together business people in the Turkish world.
Other Substructures and Committees:
Youth and Sports Committee : Increases the interaction of young people in the Turkic world by organizing youth exchange programs and sports events.
Transport and Customs Committee : Develops cooperation in the fields of transport, logistics and customs and supports regional integration.
Health Science Board : It is a structure established to share information and carry out joint projects in the field of health.
These structures and institutions are the basic mechanisms that support the Organization of Turkic States in achieving its goals and develop cooperation between member countries.
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Strategic Importance and Objectives of the Organization of Turkish States
The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is a strategic international organization that aims to strengthen multi-faceted cooperation among Turkic-speaking countries. The strategic importance of OTS at regional and global levels stems from the common cultural, historical and linguistic ties among its member countries. The organization's objectives range from economic development to the protection of cultural heritage.
Strategic Importance:
Regional Power Center : TDT is rising as a political and economic power center among Turkic-speaking countries in a wide geography covering Central Asia, the Caucasus and Eastern Europe. It supports stability and security in the region by increasing solidarity and cooperation among member countries.
Energy Corridor and Transportation Center : The members of the organization are located in strategic regions with rich energy resources such as the Caspian Sea, Central Asia and the Caucasus. This makes TDT an important actor in energy trade and security. In addition, transportation projects developed between member countries offer new alternative routes for global trade by connecting East-West and North-South trade routes.
Cultural and Diplomatic Influence : With its mission to protect and promote the common cultural heritage of the Turkic world, TDT strengthens the historical ties between member countries and represents Turkish culture in the international arena. This allows the organization to expand its diplomatic influence by using soft power elements.
Economic Cooperation and Trade : The establishment of free trade agreements, joint projects and investment opportunities among member countries promotes economic integration and regional development. TDT provides a platform for increasing trade among member countries and diversifying economies.
Their purpose:
Strengthening Political Cooperation : To develop political dialogue and cooperation among member states and contribute to regional and global peace and stability.
Ensuring Economic Integration : Encouraging cooperation among member countries in trade, investment, energy, transportation and other economic areas. Supporting economic development through joint projects and economic mechanisms such as the Turkish Investment Fund.
Protecting and Promoting Cultural Heritage : Carrying out activities to protect, develop and promote the Turkish language, historical and cultural heritage at the international level. Institutions such as the Turkish Academy and the Turkish Culture and Heritage Foundation operate in line with this purpose.
Supporting Social and Human Development : Increasing cooperation in social areas such as education, science, health, sports and youth. Strengthening human ties between member countries through youth and sports activities.
Developing International Cooperation : Strengthening cooperation with other regional and international organizations, developing joint projects and taking a common stance on international issues.
Environment and Sustainable Development : To develop common policies and projects on environmental protection, sustainable development and combating climate change.
In conclusion, the strategic importance of the Organization of Turkic States is based on ensuring regional stability and cooperation, supporting economic integration and strengthening cultural ties. The goals determined by the Organization aim to further deepen relations between member countries and to make the Turkic world a stronger actor in the international arena.
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Future Plans and Goals of the Organization of Turkic States
The future plans and goals of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) are focused on further deepening cooperation among the countries of the Turkic world, developing joint projects and becoming a more effective actor in the international arena. The strategic vision of the organization is to increase economic, cultural and political solidarity among member countries and to expand the influence of the Turkic world at the global level.
Future Plans and Goals:
Economic Integration and Increased Trade : TDT plans to develop free trade agreements and joint economic projects to ensure economic integration among member countries. In the future, it is aimed to increase the trade volume and investment between member countries with the establishment and activation of the Turkish Investment Fund. In addition, joint projects and cooperation platforms will be established in sectors such as agriculture, energy, transportation, logistics and tourism.
Strengthening Transport and Energy Corridors : The Organization of Turkic States aims to strengthen the connection between Asia and Europe by expanding the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor) and other regional transport networks. Within the scope of energy cooperation, it is planned to implement joint projects in the fields of oil, natural gas and renewable energy and to ensure energy security.
Digital Transformation and Technological Cooperation : The organization aims to increase cooperation in the fields of digitalization and technology. In this context, it is planned to encourage joint work in the fields of developing digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and innovation among member countries. In addition, within the scope of the “Digital Turkish World” vision, the integration of e-commerce, fintech and digital services will be ensured.
Developing Cultural and Educational Cooperation : TDT plans to organize various cultural and artistic events to promote and protect the common cultural heritage of the Turkic world. In the field of education, it is aimed to increase student and teacher exchange programs, establish joint universities and educational institutions, and support Turkish language and literature studies.
Strengthening International Cooperation and Diplomacy : In the future, it is planned for TDT to become a stronger actor in the international arena and to strengthen its relations with other regional and international organizations. In this context, it is aimed to increase cooperation with the United Nations, the European Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and other international organizations and to exhibit a common stance on various global issues.
Cooperation in the Field of Youth and Sports : The Organization of Turkic States aims to carry out youth exchange programs, sports events and joint projects among member countries in order to strengthen cooperation in the field of youth and sports. In the future, projects will be developed to strengthen the common identity awareness and spirit of solidarity of young people in the Turkic world.
Environment and Sustainable Development : It is planned to increase cooperation in the fields of environmental protection and sustainable development, to develop common policies on combating climate change and using environmentally friendly energy resources. In addition, joint projects and studies will be carried out in areas such as water management, forest protection and biodiversity.
Health and Crisis Management Collaboration : TDT aims to develop common health policies and establish health information networks in order to increase cooperation in the field of health and to be prepared for possible crisis situations. Strategies will be developed to increase the capacity to act together against global health crises such as pandemics.
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International Relations and Collaborations of the Organization of Turkic States
The Organization of Turkic States (TDT) aims to increase its effectiveness at the global level by following various strategies in international relations and cooperation. TDT's international relations and cooperation are focused on both strengthening solidarity among member countries and demonstrating a common stance on global issues.
Cooperation with other regional and international organizations:
United Nations (UN) : TDT cooperates with the UN in various areas. This cooperation includes joint projects, especially on regional security, development and human rights. TDT expresses the common views of the Turkish world in UN general meetings and supports the search for solutions to international problems.
European Union (EU) : Relations with the EU are exploring opportunities for cooperation, particularly in trade, energy and security. Negotiations with the EU aim to strengthen regional cooperation and support joint projects.
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) : Cooperation with OIC strengthens the representation of the Turkic world in the Islamic geography and contributes to the preservation of common cultural and religious values. TDT and OIC develop joint projects in the fields of education, health and development.
Global Economic Collaborations:
G20 : TDT participates in G20 meetings as an observer and offers common views on global economic issues. This cooperation ensures that the Turkish world is more effectively represented in international economic platforms.
International Energy Agency (IEA) : Collaboration with IEA is carried out within the scope of energy security and sustainable energy projects. This cooperation aims to develop common solutions in the management of energy resources and reduction of environmental impacts.
Cultural and Educational Collaborations:
Cultural Activities with Turkic Council Member Countries : TDT supports cultural activities, artistic projects and cultural heritage protection efforts among member countries. Projects such as the Turkic World Cultural Capitals program aim to increase cultural cooperation.
Education and Research Collaborations : Collaborations are carried out in the field of education through partner universities, research centers and student exchange programs. Turkish Academy and other educational institutions organize joint research projects and academic exchange programs.
Security and Defense Collaborations:
Joint Security Projects : TDT organizes joint security projects and exercises to strengthen security and defense cooperation among member countries. Issues such as combating terrorism, border security and cyber security are at the forefront.
Regional Security Initiatives : Joint strategies are developed to enhance regional security and coordinated responses are provided to regional crises.
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