Gabala: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday urged Turkic states to play a more active role in maintaining stability and security in the region. 'We believe the Turkic world can take a more active role in the stability and security of our region in many ways,' Erdogan said, speaking at the 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in the northern Azerbaijani city of Gabala.
According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan emphasized that many international and regional organizations are perceived as ineffective by the public due to their lack of foundational values such as shared history, culture, and solidarity. He stated that the OTS must adapt to changing conditions to become a trusted, principled structure that takes a common stance on international issues.
Erdogan urged the OTS not to be inward-looking and to coordinate closely with other international institutions. He expressed belief that the OTS Plus format, agreed upon at the summit, would enhance cooperation with third parties. He also highlighted the necessity of a unified stance on issues like terrorism, irregular migration, cyber threats, and climate change.
Addressing regional challenges, Erdogan spoke on developments in Gaza, advocating for a two-state solution for lasting peace. He criticized the international system, particularly the UN Security Council, for its indifference to global issues and condemned Israel's actions against Qatar. On Syria, he noted the Syrian government's progress and called for Turkic states to support Syria's territorial integrity and unity.
In the South Caucasus, Erdogan expressed support for regional peace efforts, welcoming the joint statement between Azerbaijan and Armenia as a positive step. He also praised the unity shown towards the Turkish Cypriot community and Turkmenistan's participation in Turkic cultural initiatives.
Erdogan concluded by highlighting cultural cooperation among Turkic nations and expressed hope that the Gabala Declaration and summit decisions would benefit the Turkic world and its allies.