(MENAFN) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has called on Turkic countries to play a greater part in ensuring peace and stability across their shared region. Speaking at the 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Gabala, Azerbaijan, Erdoğan emphasized that the Turkic world “can take a more active role in the stability and security of our region in many ways.”

He criticized the ineffectiveness of many international and regional organizations, saying they often fail to reflect “lofty values such as our shared history, culture, and solidarity.” Erdoğan urged the OTS to adapt to “changing conditions” and evolve into “a trusted, principled structure that stands by what is right and takes a common stance on international issues.”

Highlighting the summit’s theme of “regional peace and security,” he described it as “a very appropriate and meaningful choice.” Erdoğan stressed that the OTS should not isolate itself but instead strengthen cooperation with other global bodies. “We must bring to life a vision that interacts with other relevant international organizations and alliances, making its voice and strength heard,” he said. He also noted the introduction of the “OTS Plus” framework, which allows for deeper collaboration with non-member nations, calling it a step that will “breathe new life into our cooperation with third parties.”

Erdoğan emphasized the importance of unified action on major challenges such as terrorism, irregular migration, cyber threats, and climate change. Referring to the first OTS Defense Industry Institutions meeting held in July, he described it as “an important step,” adding that “continuing this momentum is vital.”

Turning to international crises, Erdoğan commented on the situation in Gaza, saying recent developments toward halting the violence that killed “67,000 innocent people” were encouraging. He reiterated that “only a two-state solution, based on the rights of the Palestinian people derived from international legitimacy and law, can open the door to lasting and just peace,” stressing that Türkiye would continue working toward that goal.

Criticizing the global response to ongoing conflicts, Erdoğan said, “We are facing an international system in which the UN Security Council remains indifferent to many issues that wound the conscience of humanity.” He also condemned Israel’s attack on Qatar, warning that “the greatest threat to our region’s stability comes from that country’s current leadership.”

Addressing developments in Syria, Erdoğan said the government’s progress over the past nine months offered “reason to look to the future with hope.” He called on Turkic nations to back Syria’s “territorial integrity and unity” and deepen engagement with Damascus. “As Turkic states, we must advance our engagement with the Syrian government,” he stated.

Regarding the South Caucasus, Erdoğan said Türkiye “sincerely supports the steps taken in the region to establish peace and stability,” welcoming the August 8 joint statement between Azerbaijan and Armenia as “a positive step toward peace and stability in the region.”

He also praised the solidarity shown toward the Turkish Cypriot community and expressed satisfaction that Turkmenistan, an observer member, had joined both the Turkic Academy and the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation. “We hope to soon see our Turkmen brothers as full members of our family council,” he said, encouraging member countries to appoint permanent representatives to the OTS Secretariat.

Erdoğan further highlighted the importance of cultural cooperation, noting that Türkiye is taking the lead on the development of a shared Turkic alphabet by publishing works such as those of Chinghiz Aitmatov and the Oghuznameh in the common script.

Concluding his speech, Erdoğan emphasized the unity and shared purpose of the Turkic nations. “We are the ones who will strengthen the great Turkic world and leave it as a legacy to our children,” he said, expressing hope that the upcoming Gabala Declaration and the summit’s decisions would “bring goodness to the Turkic world and all friendly nations.”

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