Ankara:Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged for intensified efforts to establish the Turkic world as a leading hub for trade, transport, and energy, emphasizing the strategic significance of the Middle Corridor. Speaking at the 13th Summit of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States in Ankara, Erdogan highlighted the potential for the corridor to shape future trade dynamics.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Erdogan expressed gratitude to the leaders who participated in Turkey's 103rd Republic anniversary celebrations and explained that the summit's theme, "Turkic Century Unity in Language, Thought and Deed," was inspired by the late Turkic intellectual Ismail Gasprinski.

Erdogan announced that Turkey has assumed the rotating chairmanship of the organization from Azerbaijan and expressed intentions to build on institutional achievements. He emphasized the importance of unity within the Turkic world, declaring there is no room for division or discord.

Discussing regional developments, Erdogan highlighted the opportunities a peaceful South Caucasus presents and reiterated support for Azerbaijan's peace talks with Armenia. He also advocated for diplomatic solutions to tensions with Iran and called for increased efforts towards resolving the Palestinian issue, including humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza.

Erdogan underscored the need for enhanced cooperation in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital trade, and space technologies. He announced plans for a common digital trade platform and a joint satellite project, alongside a focus on developing a Turkic language model. Furthermore, Erdogan invited leaders to the COP31 Leaders' Summit in Antalya and concluded by thanking the outgoing and incoming Secretaries General for their contributions. The summit concluded with the adoption of the Ankara Declaration, affirming the collective motto of "Unity in Language, Thought and Deed."