Turkistan: Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on Friday called for stronger unity among Turkic states amid growing global instability, emphasizing the need to bolster economic and investment cooperation. Addressing the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Turkistan, Tokayev highlighted plans to establish a Turkic Civilization Center in Turkestan, aimed at supporting joint scientific research, cultural projects, and educational programs.
According to Anadolu Agency, Tokayev also proposed the creation of a network of artificial intelligence centers among Turkic countries. He announced plans to open an AI university in Kazakhstan, which will offer grants to students from member states. Furthermore, Tokayev advocated for the mutual recognition of electronic documents and digital signatures, expanded cooperation in satellite technologies, and the establishment of a joint 'Turkic AI' innovation hub. He urged member states to support a convention on preserving the heritage of Turkic civilization and proposed forming a common terminology base for Turkic languages.
Separately, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov expressed that the OTS has significant potential to become an independent geo-economic and technological center. He stressed the importance of cooperation in digitalization and artificial intelligence. Addressing the summit, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed several initiatives, including creating a strategic AI cooperation network among member states and expanding collaboration in science, education, and youth programs. Mirziyoyev also called for integrating digital logistics platforms to improve transport connectivity and proposed establishing a climate risk monitoring system based on satellite data. Additionally, he suggested forming a Turkic cybersecurity alliance to protect digital infrastructure.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev highlighted Baku's efforts to strengthen its digital sovereignty through artificial intelligence initiatives, such as the creation of a National AI Center, an AI Academy, and a national AI development strategy focused on innovation, education, and public administration. Aliyev emphasized cooperation among Turkic states in digital development and transport connectivity, noting progress on the Digital Silk Road project, the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable line between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, and the increasing importance of the Middle Corridor.
The Informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States, chaired by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, took place in the southern city of Turkistan. Leaders from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Trkiye, and Uzbekistan attended the meeting to discuss key issues, including artificial intelligence, digital development, and strengthening regional cooperation.