Ilham Aliyev receives participants of the meeting of heads of government of the Organization of Turkic States

On April 2, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Vice President of the Republic of Turkey Cevdet Yılmaz, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Adylbek Kasymaliev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev, Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ünal Üstel, and Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States Kubanychbek Omuraliev.

As reported by AZERTAC, the head of our state delivered a speech at the meeting.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

- The meeting of the heads of government of the Organization of Turkic States is being held in Baku this time. I warmly welcome you and bid you welcome.

I am confident that this meeting will be very beneficial. As always, our countries will demonstrate unity and solidarity. At the same time, this meeting is of great importance for discussing the critical economic issues facing us.

In general, Azerbaijan has made, is making, and will continue to make a significant contribution to the development of the Organization of Turkic States, both in the past and today. This is one of the priority issues of our foreign policy. We have repeatedly stated from various platforms that the Turkic world is our family, and we have no other family. Of course, joint efforts are very important to lead this family into the future.

Relations with the member states of the Organization of Turkic States are a priority in our foreign policy. Our historical, cultural, and ethnic roots with these countries form a wonderful foundation, and today, as independent states, we stand united, supporting each other in all international organizations. We stand by each other in both good times and difficult times.

Naturally, further steps will be taken related to the continued development of our organization. Today, the Organization of Turkic States has gained significant authority on a global scale, and our international positions are strengthening. Our ability to influence processes occurring in the region is increasing, while the role of our organization on a global level is also growing, and we must strengthen our positions through joint efforts.

Today, our organization must become one of the leading international organizations in the world. This depends on us. The more effort we put in, the more unity we demonstrate, the more successfully we implement important projects and simultaneously create significant opportunities for our partners, the greater our international authority, capabilities, and positions will grow.

There are many international organizations in the world, but there are not many organizations based on ethnic roots. That is, this is a very significant advantage for us. Our ethnic affiliation unites us. This is the first factor. Then, there is our geography, the very warm and friendly relations between our countries, and our common goals. Therefore, considering all these factors, we must elevate our organization to an even higher level.

For the development of our organization, summits are, of course, of great importance. These meetings are held regularly, and as you know, at Azerbaijan’s initiative, informal meetings of heads of state have also started to take place. The first such informal summit was held in Karabakh, in Shusha. This has already become a tradition, and I believe this is a wonderful indicator. Heads of state now meet at least twice a year. Because there are many issues to discuss, and global processes are moving so rapidly that we must constantly hold consultations, learn each other’s opinions, and take joint steps to make the right decisions.

In the economic sphere – which will be the main content of your meeting – things are going well. As for Azerbaijan, our trade turnover with all member states is growing, and the volume of mutual investments is increasing. We have invested over 20 billion dollars in the economies of the organization’s member states. True, the majority of this has been invested in Turkey. However, the process of mutual investment is also underway with other member states. We have established joint investment funds with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Through these funds, many projects are already being implemented, or preparatory work is underway for their realization.

I would like to express special gratitude for the support of brotherly countries in the restoration of Karabakh. Your support is very important to us, both in reconstruction efforts and in the creation of new enterprises in Karabakh. As you know, a school named after Mirza Ulugh Beg, gifted by Uzbekistan, is already operational. The Kurmangazy Children’s Creativity Center, a gift from Kazakhstan, is functioning. A school named after Manas, a gift from Kyrgyzstan, is also operational. They are located in the Fuzuli and Aghdam districts. Many companies from Turkey are participating in important infrastructure projects – the construction of roads, bridges, tunnels, and railways. At the same time, the creation of jobs in Karabakh is very important to us, and here again, the first foreign investments have come from brotherly countries. In Khankendi, with the support of Uzbekistan, a large sewing factory has started operating, and we marked its opening together with the esteemed President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. That is, all of this once again shows that today, in the most important issue for us – the restoration of Karabakh and East Zangezur – brotherly countries stand by our side. We, in turn, are always ready to provide the necessary support and do so. After the terrible earthquake in Turkey, Azerbaijan provided its brotherly support, and at Azerbaijan’s expense, the ‘Azerbaijan Quarter’ worth 100 million US dollars was built in Kahramanmaraş. We marked its opening together with the esteemed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

That is, this is both practical assistance to each other and an indicator of our intentions. At the same time, it once again shows the path to our peoples that we must stand by each other. To the whole world, it demonstrates that the Turkic world and the Organization of Turkic States, at any time – in good times and difficult times – both at the level of member states and as an organization, do everything to achieve common goals.

Of course, alongside economic and investment issues, one of the main issues facing all of us today is the expansion of our transport, logistics, and transit capabilities. In principle, there is always a need for this. Because the Middle Corridor passing through our countries serves the interests of each of us. Especially in the current geopolitical situation, the Middle Corridor, the Trans-Caspian Corridor, the Zangezur Corridor, and other projects in this direction are gaining even greater importance. Probably, the Azerbaijani side will provide information on this issue today. A significant part of the work on the territory of Azerbaijan has already been completed. Both the railways and the Baku Trade Port, our highways, and airports – all transport infrastructure has been brought to a state of readiness. As for the implementation of the Zangezur Corridor, the automobile road is almost 90 percent ready, and the railway is about 70 percent complete. I hope that in the near future, this project will be fully realized. We know and are very glad that the construction of the Kars-Nakhchivan railway has also started in Turkey. Thus, the integration and coordinated implementation of these projects will open a new important international corridor. This will become one of the branches of the Middle Corridor, and the railway infrastructure we are building is initially designed to transport 15 million tons of cargo. But in the future, this figure may increase, and it probably will. However, in any case, the opening of a new corridor with a capacity of 15 million tons is of great importance both for our countries and for a broader geography. And here again, we demonstrate a very serious and responsible position – as we ensure our own interests, we also open new transport routes to the world. That is, this once again shows that the goal of our countries and our organization is peace, cooperation, security, mutual respect, and common interests. This is what I wanted to bring to your attention. I know that today you will have a lot of work and many issues to discuss. I have no doubt that your meeting will be another contribution to the development of our organization. Once again, I welcome you.

XXX

Vice President of the Republic of Turkey Cevdet Yılmaz said:

- Mr. President, we express our gratitude to you for the reception. I want to convey to you the most sincere greetings from your dear brother, President of Turkey Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you, thank you.

Cevdet Yılmaz: Taking this opportunity, I congratulate everyone on the past holidays of Ramadan and Nowruz, wishing that they bring peace, prosperity, and well-being to our region and the entire world.

I first heard about our meeting in this format from you. I know that this is your idea. We held a very successful meeting in Kyrgyzstan. The second one, inshallah, we will hold here, with my dear brother Ali Asadov. First of all, I would like to once again express my gratitude for your contribution both to the work of this meeting and to the activities of the Organization of Turkic States.

As you have already noted, the economy is very important. Important processes are also taking place in our region. In the short term, they will have negative consequences, but in the medium term, I believe, they will open new opportunities for us. Especially countries that ensure stability and calm during this period will emerge in very advantageous positions at the new stage. We will all move in this direction together.

Energy and transport issues are of great importance. You also particularly noted that the opening of the Zangezur Corridor, in particular, will bring great benefits both to Turkish-Azerbaijani relations and to a broader geography.

On the other hand, after recent events, the world has better realized the importance of diversification in energy matters. We are jointly exploring new opportunities in these areas, primarily transit through the Caspian Sea. We will all make joint efforts to develop mutual investments as well. I also believe that new very important investment opportunities will emerge.

As you previously emphasized, the Organization of Turkic States has come a long way in a very short time. Inshallah, in the upcoming period, this process will continue and deepen. Your chairmanship of the organization is continuing successfully. We are especially grateful to you for the attention and support you have provided to the Organization of Turkic States from the very first days.

We are all proud of the development in Karabakh. Karabakh has once again become Azerbaijan and gained freedom. However, you did not stop there; significant development is taking place in Karabakh, and investments are being made. Inshallah, in the near future, we will all together see an even more developed Karabakh. And we, as the Republic of Turkey, will do everything in our power. We are always by the side of Karabakh and Azerbaijan.

As you also noted, during the earthquake, Azerbaijan resolutely supported us. We are grateful for this. Indeed, as the Republic of Turkey, we thank you for the solidarity shown by the entire Turkic world. This is precisely the benefit and strength of unity. We always support each other in both difficult and good times. Regional cooperation is gaining even greater importance, especially at a time when international institutions are weakening globally, and rules are not being followed. From this perspective, the Organization of Turkic States has taken an even more important position in the new period than before.

Today, the Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is also among us. I would like to particularly express my gratitude to Your Excellency for your sensitivity regarding the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Inshallah, together with our colleagues, we will discuss the issues you highlighted in detail and provide full support to the vision demonstrated by our leaders.

I want to once again express my gratitude to you for the high level of organization. Thank you very much.

President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you very much. I appreciate it.

XXX

Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov said:

- Your Excellency, respected President Ilham Heydarovich. First of all, I would like to convey to you the sincere greetings and warmest wishes of His Excellency, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, respected Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Allow me, taking this opportunity, to express my immense gratitude to you for, firstly, your special attention and the warm reception characteristic of the brotherly Azerbaijani people, as well as for the traditional hospitality.

We highly value Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations, which have today reached the level of strategic partnership and alliance. Undoubtedly, the open and trusting dialogue based on strong bonds of friendship and brotherhood between you, Your Excellency, and the President of Uzbekistan, respected Shavkat Mirziyoyev, serves as a solid foundation for even closer ties between our brotherly peoples.

The people of Uzbekistan rejoice in the high achievements of brotherly Azerbaijan. Under your wise leadership, Azerbaijan is developing rapidly year by year, achieving great successes. Thanks to your personal efforts and initiatives, in recent years, Karabakh is becoming an increasingly prosperous region as an important and integral part of brotherly Azerbaijan.

We are constantly in contact with my colleague, respected Ali Asadov. We highly value the fruitful cooperation within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States. We are ready to make joint efforts to further strengthen our organization.

Taking this opportunity, I wish you, Your Excellency, and through you, the brotherly people of Azerbaijan, peace and prosperity. Thank you for the reception.

XXX

Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Adylbek Kasymaliev said:

- Thank you very much, respected Ilham Heydarovich. On my part, I would also like to sincerely thank you for taking the time to meet with us despite your busy schedule. I would also like to note the high level of organization of events within the framework of the second meeting of heads of government of the Organization of Turkic States, which creates favorable conditions for an open and substantive dialogue.

Allow me also to convey warm greetings and best wishes to you and the brotherly people of Azerbaijan on behalf of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, respected Sadyr Nurgozhoevich Zhaparov. The Kyrgyz Republic highly values relations with Azerbaijan, based on brotherhood and mutual respect.

We attach special importance to your upcoming historic state visit to the Kyrgyz Republic. It is gratifying to note that today’s meeting confirms the desire of our countries to deepen practical cooperation within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States. I am firmly convinced that joint projects in the fields of trade, transport, and logistics will continue to contribute to the sustainable development of our states.

Our countries indeed have all the opportunities to enhance interaction in all mutually beneficial areas.

In conclusion, I would like to once again thank you, respected Ilham Heydarovich, for the warm reception. I wish you good health and success, and the brotherly people of Azerbaijan peace, well-being, and prosperity. Thank you for your attention.

XXX

Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov said:

- Your Excellency, Mr. President, respected Ilham Heydarovich. Allow me, first of all, to thank you for the opportunity to meet with you on the brotherly Azerbaijani land. Allow me to convey words of sincere greeting from the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Kemeluly Tokayev. Before coming here, I spoke with him, and he instructed me to обязательно convey these words.

Relations between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are developing very dynamically. We have many joint projects – economic and large-scale. This year, we plan to complete our major strategic project – the fiber-optic cable along the bottom of the Caspian Sea, which will connect Europe with China and the Asian region. We very much hope that this project will provide a significant impetus to the development of the entire region and all our states.

Within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States, we have very good, warm relations with all colleagues, friends, and brothers, and many economic projects. At the government level, we constantly work with colleagues, meet often, and discuss all our issues. We strive to resolve matters at our level – what depends on us – so that our leaders are satisfied and meet to discuss positive changes.

We look forward to welcoming you and the heads of state of the Organization of Turkic States on May 15 in sacred Turkestan for an informal OTS summit. We are preparing to receive high-ranking guests.

Once again, I would like to wish you personally, respected Mr. President, and the brotherly Azerbaijani people all the best. Thank you.

XXX

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyev said:

- Respected Mr. President, I greet you. Thank you for the reception. With your permission, I would like to convey sincere greetings from our respected Arkadag and respected President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Today’s meeting is organized at a high level, and I would like to thank you for the invitation to this session. We are confident that it will be conducted at a high level. We will discuss with colleagues issues of increasing our trade turnover and other topics, and we will make efforts to bring our peoples closer. You make a great contribution to this cause, and I would like to express my gratitude to you for this and wish you success. Thank you.

XXX

Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ünal Üstel said:

- Respected Mr. President, I am happy to be in brotherly Azerbaijan. On behalf of my people, my government, and myself, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for this reception.

I am very grateful for the initiative of the leader of our Homeland – the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan – regarding the acceptance of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus into the Organization of Turkic States as an observer member, as well as for the support that you, President of brotherly Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, have provided to us. My people are very happy to see that this support continues.

However, considering the current situation in the world, as you have already said, our family is the Turkic world, and we have no other family. To strengthen this family, we, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, as your brothers in the Mediterranean and as an island in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, whose existence is entirely sustained by tourism and healthcare, are the guardians of your borders there. From this perspective, given the current situation, we need to enhance cooperation by moving from observer status to full membership in the Organization of Turkic States. At this stage, we see that you can use the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as a base for cooperation in business, interpersonal contacts, and other sectors, as well as to overcome difficulties arising in the transport sector. Our country, located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea and in a convenient position for access to various directions, will be very glad to establish cooperation with you. I want to thank you once again for the support you have always provided to us in this direction.

I am very glad to be together with my brother prime ministers. Cooperation within this family is very important for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Because, just like the great struggle for freedom that you waged in Karabakh, we – our people living in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus – waged a great struggle for freedom with significant support from the Republic of Turkey, and we suffered enormous losses. And you also had many martyrs in Karabakh and Shusha. I would like to once again express my respect for the memory of our martyrs in your presence.

Taking this opportunity, I heartily congratulate you on the past holidays of Ramadan and Nowruz. Thank you.

President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you, thank you.

XXX

Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States Kubanychbek Omuraliev said:

- Respected Mr. President, Your Excellencies. I would like to express my gratitude for today’s meeting with you. The Organization of Turkic States is strengthening and developing day by day, and its role on the international stage, as you have already noted, is becoming increasingly significant.

Allow me also to express my appreciation for your contribution to the development of our organization. I would like to recall your words, Your Excellency. You mentioned that the Turkic world is our family, and we have no other family. As you noted, the main priority of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy is cooperation with OTS countries. This serves as an additional contribution to strengthening our organization.

The theme of the 12th Summit in Gabala last year was ‘Regional Peace and Security,’ which is important and relevant given the current events in the region and beyond. Allow me also to express my gratitude for your proposal during the Summit to hold joint military exercises of OTS member states in Azerbaijan. Your invitation, Your Excellency, was disseminated among the heads of state of OTS countries.

Your Excellencies, today in Baku, another meeting of the heads of government of OTS member states will take place, the purpose of which is to strengthen the coordination of our work on a practical basis and ensure closer interaction between our governments to fulfill the instructions given by our leaders at summits. I believe that such a mechanism is necessary for our organization to timely and properly implement all programs and projects to strengthen solidarity and deepen cooperation within the OTS framework.

As you know, last month, an informal meeting of the OTS Council of Foreign Ministers was held to discuss the current situation in the region and beyond. The regulation of the ‘OTS+’ format, signed during the meeting, promotes dialogue, cooperation, and partnership in the region and on the international stage, as well as enhances the visibility and influence of OTS in multilateral diplomacy.

At your initiative, we also hold an informal OTS summit annually. In this regard, as you mentioned, Your Excellency, on May 15 in Turkestan (Kazakhstan), another OTS Summit is planned. Meetings of leaders more than once a year strengthen coordination within the Organization and contribute to increasing the significance of OTS on the international stage.

Once again, I would like to thank you for your support and contribution to the development and strengthening of the brotherhood of the Turkic world. Thank you.

XXX

Prime Minister Ali Asadov said:

- Respected Mr. President, allow me, on behalf of all my colleagues and myself, to express my gratitude to you for receiving us. The issues raised in your speech will naturally serve as a roadmap for me and my colleagues for the future.

Respected Mr. President, as you said during the inauguration ceremony on February 14, 2024, our family is the Turkic world. Your words are a roadmap for us, for all of Azerbaijan, including the government of Azerbaijan. We build our activities in this direction. Among these activities is the holding of today’s meeting in Baku – the second meeting of heads of government of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States.

Respected Mr. President, guided by the issues you and your colleagues have set before us, before the governments, we have formed today’s agenda, and it has been agreed upon with all my colleagues. As you mentioned today, I will briefly outline the main issues. These are issues of trade-economic and investment cooperation, including bilateral and multilateral funds. I would like to mention the funds established by two brotherly countries, including the Turkic Investment Fund. Cooperation in transport-transit and energy sectors, including green energy and logistics. Alongside the Middle Corridor, as you noted today, the Zangezur Corridor is of great importance for Azerbaijan and Turkey, as well as for a broader region.

Mr. President, following our meeting, we will adopt a statement based on the issues arising from the declaration adopted by you and the heads of state at the 12th Summit in Gabala. It has been coordinated through diplomatic channels.

Respected President, I want to once again express our gratitude to you. Thank you very much.

XXX

Speaking at the conclusion of the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev said:

- Thank you, I appreciate it. I ask you to convey my warm greetings to the heads of state of your countries – my friends and brothers. Every meeting with them is very important, significant, and valuable to me.

The thoughts expressed here today once again show that our organization has a bright future because every member state and observer state wants it to strengthen and play a more important role on the world stage, and I am confident that we will achieve this.

I would like to highlight one more issue. I have already spoken about the uniqueness of our organization in my opening remarks. I would like to touch on another issue. It is also very important because relations between the member states of the organization in a bilateral format are also very good. There are no problems, no misunderstandings, and I can say that this is a rare phenomenon among global organizations. We know what international organizations exist in the world, and within these organizations, disagreements, confrontations, and even conflicts sometimes arise between some member states. But our uniqueness – and this is our very great common asset – is that in both multilateral and bilateral formats, there are only good relations, good intentions, mutual support, respect, and reverence for each other. This is a tremendous value. We must preserve this, educate future generations in this spirit, and strengthen our organization in all directions so that over the years, it becomes a global actor on a world scale. I repeat, all the opportunities for achieving this exist. First of all, our unity, common ethnic roots, vast geography, energy resources, and transport routes. Today, when it comes to transport, it is impossible to bypass us. By investing – each country investing in its territory – we turn this geography into an even more important factor. I am confident that the issues discussed today and those that will be discussed at your meeting will enhance the power of our organization.

Once again, welcome.