BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 3. The Organization of Turkic States has succeeded in expanding its influence within a broader geopolitical context, moving beyond regional boundaries, political analyst Azer Garayev told Trend.
Garayev highlighted that recent events in Baku marked a significant step for political and economic integration within the Turkic world.
"On April 2, 2026, Baku hosted a series of landmark events advancing the political and economic integration of the Turkic world. On that day, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the heads of government from both member and observer states of the OTS. Concurrently, a meeting of government leaders took place under the organization’s framework. In recent years, the OTS has successfully expanded its influence beyond the regional level, asserting a broader geopolitical presence. Azerbaijan’s role in this development is particularly noteworthy. While addressing the visiting leaders, President Ilham Aliyev reaffirmed that the organization remains a priority in the country’s foreign policy: 'The Turkic world is our family, and we have no other family.' This principle is not merely ideological but serves as a guiding framework for practical policy. For many years, Azerbaijan has played a systematic and active role in strengthening the OTS’s institutional foundations and deepening cooperation among its member states," he said.
According to him, a defining feature that sets the OTS apart from other international organizations is its foundation on shared ethnic, cultural, and historical roots.
"As President Ilham Aliyev emphasized, this factor provides the organization with a significant advantage: 'There are many international organizations in the world, but the number of organizations established on the basis of ethnic roots is not very high. This is our great advantage.' The OTS is not merely a platform for formal cooperation; it represents integration grounded in deep social and cultural ties. While many international organizations today experience internal conflicts and contradictions, the OTS stands out for the stable and amicable relationships among its member states, both bilaterally and multilaterally. This stability forms a solid foundation for the organization’s future development," he noted.
Garayev also highlighted that economic cooperation was one of the central topics discussed during the meeting in Baku.
"In recent years, the growth of trade turnover within the OTS, the expansion of mutual investments, and the establishment of joint investment funds have demonstrated tangible achievements in economic cooperation. Azerbaijan’s investments of over $20 billion in the economies of member countries underscore its leading role in this process. Economic ties with Türkiye, in particular, have deepened significantly. Additionally, the joint investment funds established with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan provide an important platform for future projects in industry, logistics, agriculture, and other sectors. These initiatives are an integral part of the OTS’s transformation from a primarily political platform into a dynamic economic union," he said.
The political scientist highlighted that one of the most notable examples of OTS cooperation is seen in the post-conflict reconstruction of Karabakh, where Azerbaijan emphasizes the support of fraternal countries.
"The school built by Uzbekistan, the children’s creative center developed by Kazakhstan, the educational institutions constructed by Kyrgyzstan, and the involvement of Turkish companies in infrastructure projects are concrete demonstrations of this solidarity. This support goes beyond economic assistance, reflecting both political and moral backing. In the context of modern geopolitical realities, transport and logistics have become key priorities for the OTS. The Middle Corridor and the Trans-Caspian route are emerging as alternative and reliable trade links between Europe and Asia. President Ilham Aliyev noted: 'Today, when it comes to transport, it is impossible to bypass our region.' Azerbaijan’s projects in this sector, including the Baku Trade Port, railways, highways, and airports, have already positioned the country as a regional logistics hub. The Zangezur corridor, in particular, is expected to strengthen ties between Azerbaijan and Türkiye while creating new economic opportunities across the region.
The energy sector remains a central focus of OTS cooperation. The Caspian basin’s rich energy resources and their transportation to Europe enhance the strategic significance of the organization. With energy security increasingly on the global agenda, opportunities are opening for the OTS countries. Diversifying energy routes and implementing alternative projects are now key priorities," he added.
Garayev emphasized that the role of regional organizations is increasing amid shifts in global politics. In a period when international institutions are weakening and global rules are being reshaped, platforms like the OTS offer more flexible and effective mechanisms.
"In his speech, Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz highlighted this trend and stressed the growing significance of regional cooperation. This demonstrates that the OTS is no longer merely a cultural and historical union but has the potential to emerge as a geopolitical actor. One of the primary objectives of the OTS is to become a more influential organization on the international stage. President Ilham Aliyev explicitly stated this goal: 'Our organization must take its place among the world’s leading international organizations.' Achieving this requires several strategic priorities: deepening economic integration; expanding transport and energy projects; strengthening institutional mechanisms; and enhancing political coordination among member states. Equally important is maintaining stability and mutual trust within the organization," he said.
According to the analyst, the meeting and the summit of heads of government held in Baku represent a new phase in the development of the OTS.
"These events demonstrated that the organization is evolving beyond an ideological union into a tangible economic and political force. Azerbaijan’s proactive role in this process, the strategic vision outlined by President Ilham Aliyev, and the solidarity displayed by member states offer a promising outlook for the future of the OTS. If the current momentum continues, it is realistic to expect that the OTS will become a significant actor not only regionally but also globally in the coming years," Garayev added.
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