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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) to take a more active role in regional stability and security, saying the group must demonstrate a resolute stance against conflicts and violations of international law.
"We believe that the Turkic world can play a much more active role in many ways in the stability and security of our region," Erdogan said at the 12th Summit of the OTS in Gebele on Tuesday.
"Today, it is important for our organization to demonstrate a resolute stance against many conflicts, wars and violations of international law in our nearby geography," he noted.
Erdogan thanked Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Japarov for his contributions as outgoing rotating president and expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev for hosting the summit, wishing him great success in his term as president.
The Turkish president congratulated participants on Oct. 3 Turkic States Cooperation Day, noting that the organization has added new successes to its achievements over the past 16 years under the motto of unity in language, thought and action.
Erdogan criticized the current international system and existing multilateral organizations, stating, "We are facing an international system where multilateralism is gradually eroding and the U.N. Security Council remains indifferent to many issues that wound humanity's conscience."
"Today, many international and regional organizations are seen by public opinion as dysfunctional, almost burdensome structures, because they are not built on lofty values such as our common history, culture and ideals," Erdogan said.
He emphasized the importance of the organization adapting to changing conditions, demonstrating a common stance on international issues, being trusted and standing by those in the right.
"As Türkiye, we find it extremely appropriate and meaningful that the theme of our summit has been determined as 'regional peace and security' in such a period," he added.
Erdogan emphasized the importance of fostering dialogue with third parties while consolidating cooperation in an environment that faces various security challenges.
"We never see our organization as an introverted structure," Erdogan said.
"We must be able to implement a vision that reveals its voice and power in interaction with other relevant international organizations and alliances. In this context, I wholeheartedly believe that the OTS Plus format we agreed on today will bring a new breath to our cooperation with third parties," he added.
Erdogan later stated that Türkiye is ready to provide every possible contribution within the "family council" in every area concerning common interests, especially capacity building for security.
"I think we can respond with a common stance from terrorism to illegal migration, from cyber threats to climate change, and we can strengthen our own security under our own sky dome," Erdogan said.
"I see the First Meeting of the Organization of Turkic States Defense Industry Institutions held in July as an important step in this sense. I want to emphasize that the continuation of our work is very important for the momentum we have achieved to continue," he noted.
Erdogan said Israeli government attacks that began with Lebanon and Syria, continued with Yemen and Iran and most recently targeted Qatar show that the biggest threat to the region's stability comes from this country's current administration.
He expressed satisfaction with recent developments toward stopping the massacres in Gaza that have cost the lives of 66,000 innocents.
"We believe that only a two-state solution based on the rights of the Palestinian people derived from international legitimacy and law will open the door to permanent and just peace," Erdogan said.
"We continue our work in this direction with determination," he stated.
The Turkish president emphasized that establishing stability in Syria is an indispensable necessity for ensuring security in the region and beyond, noting, "Despite struggling with many difficulties, the progress made by the Syrian government in the last nine months allows us to look to the future with hope."
"In this process, we must focus on improving the political, economic and security environment on the basis of preserving Syria's territorial integrity and unity, and as Turkic states, we must advance engagement with the Syrian government," Erdogan said.
Erdogan said Türkiye not only follows developments in the South Caucasus but sincerely supports steps taken to establish peace and stability in the region.
"We see the joint declaration signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia on Aug. 8 as a beneficial step in this regard and wish for its continuation," he said.
Erdogan welcomed the agreement reached in March on determining the border junction point between Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
"I congratulate Mr. Mirziyoyev and Mr. Japarov for resolving this issue, which has occupied the agenda for many years, with common sense and wisdom," Erdogan said, adding, "From here, I also convey my congratulations to the Tajik leadership."
Erdogan expressed particular happiness that Hungary, from the western wing of the Turkic world, is present among them as an observer, saying it gives them great pleasure to personally witness the value Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban places on the organization.
He said Turkish Cyprus President Ersin Tatar's presence in Gebele, following Ankara, Shusha and Bishkek, makes him extremely happy.
"I observe with satisfaction that the Turkic world does not leave its Turkish Cypriot brothers alone on the path to a just solution in two states," Erdogan said.
The Turkish president welcomed Turkmenistan's becoming an observer member of the Turkic Academy and the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation.
"We want to see our Turkmen brothers as full members in our family council soon," Erdogan said.
He emphasized the importance of member countries appointing permanent representatives to the secretariat to accelerate the institutional functioning of the organization.
"I am calling on members who have not yet taken this step to appoint permanent representatives," Erdogan said.
Erdogan said Turkic states once again demonstrated that they are walking confidently toward the future with the solidarity, mutual respect and spirit of brotherhood among them.
"We are the ones who will strengthen the great Turkic world and leave it as a legacy to our children," Erdogan said.
"I hope that the Gebele Declaration we will sign shortly and the decisions we will make will be beneficial to the Turkic world, first and foremost, as well as to all friendly and brotherly countries," he concluded.
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