Gabala: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has proposed hosting joint military exercises for the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) member countries in Azerbaijan in 2026. The announcement was made during his address at the OTS's 12th summit in Gabala.
According to Anadolu Agency, Aliyev emphasized the evolution of the OTS from a cooperation platform to a significant geopolitical center, highlighting the importance of unity among Turkic states for regional peace and stability. He stressed the necessity for the Turkic states to unite as a single power center in light of global geopolitical and security challenges.
Aliyev proposed the joint military exercises considering the extensive cooperation in military, defense, and security areas among the member countries. He mentioned Azerbaijan's close defense partnership with Trkiye, noting over 25 bilateral and multinational military drills conducted together in recent years.
The Azerbaijani president also touched on recent diplomatic achievements, including the peace agreement initialing between Azerbaijan and Armenia at the White House in Washington, which aims to transform the South Caucasus into a peaceful region. He noted that the OSCE's decision to dissolve the Minsk Group remnants on September 1 reaffirmed the peace agenda led by Azerbaijan.
In terms of regional connectivity, Aliyev underscored the strategic importance of transport corridors linking Turkic states, particularly the Zangazur Corridor, which he called a "new transport artery" that connects the Middle Corridor and the North-South route. He highlighted Azerbaijan's role as a vital bridge between Trkiye and Central Asia, with significant increases in cargo traffic through the Middle Corridor since 2022.
Aliyev also discussed energy security, stating that Azerbaijan exports natural gas to 14 countries and is advancing renewable energy sources, aiming for renewables to make up 40% of total production by 2030. Plans were announced for a green energy corridor connecting Central Asia, Azerbaijan, Trkiye, and Europe.
Additionally, Aliyev proposed commemorating the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress, held in Baku in 1926, next year under the OTS framework. The 12th summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States, hosted by Azerbaijan, focuses on 'Regional Peace and Security' and includes leaders from Trkiye, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Hungary.