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Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev proposed that member countries of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) conduct joint military exercises in Azerbaijan in 2026, highlighting the deep military cooperation with Türkiye that has included over 25 bilateral and multinational drills in the past year.
"In the context of a period when the norms and principles of international law are openly violated, cooperation in the military and military-technical fields between countries is one of the most important factors," Aliyev said at the 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States Council of Heads of State on Tuesday.
"In this framework, there is deep cooperation with our ally Türkiye. In just the last year, over 25 bilateral and multinational military exercises have been organized together with Türkiye," he noted.
The summit, held under the theme "Regional Peace and Security" in Gebele's Heydar Aliyev Congress Center, was attended by:
Aliyev said the Organization of Turkic States is not only a cooperation platform but is on the way to becoming one of the serious geopolitical centers, noting, "The increase in the influence of our organization at the international level creates satisfaction."
"Our common history and ethnic origins, our common national spiritual values unite us like a family. Our country has transferred a donation of $2 million to the secretariat's account to support the organization's work," Aliyev said.
He said internal political and economic stability, important geostrategic location, positive demography and young population, great opportunities in the transportation-logistics field, natural resources and increasing potential in the military and military-technical fields are turning the Organization of Turkic States into an important actor in the global arena.
Aliyev expressed satisfaction that holding informal summits in addition to official summits has become a tradition, noting that last year's informal summit in Shusha and this year's meeting in Budapest were remembered for important decisions.
Aliyev noted that today peace and security are fundamental factors for the development of every country, saying, "Preservation of peace and security are among the main goals and tasks in the Nakhchivan Agreement, which is the basic document of our organization."
"In the context of the current geopolitical and security threats the world is facing, it is extremely important that Turkic states act as a single power center in accordance with the Karabakh Declaration adopted at last year's informal summit in Shusha and today's summit theme of regional peace and security. Development is not possible without security," Aliyev stated.
Aliyev also emphasized the importance of cooperation in military and military-technical fields among countries, noting: "Taking into account the wide cooperation in military, defense, and security fields between our countries, I propose that joint military exercises of member countries of the Organization of Turkic States be held in Azerbaijan in 2026."
"In today's world, military power is the fundamental element of every country's independence and territorial integrity," he noted.
Aliyev noted that the signing of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington will turn the South Caucasus into a peace zone: "Within the framework of the Washington Summit, in accordance with the joint application for the closure of the OSCE Minsk Group and related structures, these remnants of the past conflict were also removed with the decision taken by the OSCE on Sept. 1,"
"Thus, the steps we have taken once again confirmed the peace agenda put forward by Azerbaijan. We will never forget the Armenian occupation, we will always carry the precious memory of our martyrs in our hearts," Aliyev said.
"We took their blood on the battlefield, drove the invader from our ancient lands, won victory, and at the same time achieved a just peace," he added.
Aliyev said transportation and communication connections have strategic importance within the Organization of Turkic States framework: "Work carried out to benefit from the potential of the Turkic world in transportation, communication, transit and other areas has led to the implementation of projects of global importance."
"Azerbaijan is an active participant in the East-West and North-South transportation corridors. Our country plays a bridge role between Türkiye and Central Asia in geographical, economic, transportation and other areas," Aliyev said.
Aliyev noted that transportation through the Middle Corridor has increased by approximately 90 percent since 2022, noting, "Transit times along the corridor have been significantly reduced."
"The Caspian's largest commercial fleet, Alat International Maritime Trade Port, whose annual capacity will reach 25 million tons, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars Railway; nine international airports, the region's largest transportation company; and other elements have made Azerbaijan one of the international transportation centers," he noted.
Aliyev also stated that one of the most significant outcomes of the Washington Summit is the opening of the Zangezur Corridor.
"The Zangezur Corridor is of great importance as a new transportation route and a second route within both the Middle Corridor and the North-South Corridor," he said.
President Aliyev lastly stated that Azerbaijan plays an active role in achieving global energy security goals, noting, "Azerbaijan has proven to be a reliable and indispensable partner in ensuring the energy security of many countries."
"We play a strategic role by connecting the Caspian region to international markets through diversified oil and gas pipelines," he noted.
He noted that Azerbaijan currently exports natural gas to 14 countries, adding: "In terms of geographical coverage, Azerbaijan ranks first among countries that export natural gas through pipelines."
"Azerbaijan is also attracting large investments in renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric. By 2030, approximately 40% of our energy production will be provided from renewable sources," he noted.
"We are currently working on the Central Asia-Azerbaijan-Türkiye-Europe green energy corridor," the Azerbaijani president concluded.
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