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The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) called for exploring the establishment of a Türkiye-hosted defense industry college program as member countries moved to deepen cooperation in defense, cybersecurity, transportation and energy during their 13th summit in Ankara on Friday.
The proposal was included in the Ankara Declaration, adopted at the conclusion of the two-day gathering hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan under the theme "Turkic Century: Unity in Language, Thought and Deed."
The declaration was signed following addresses by Erdogan and visiting heads of state and other officials, outlining priorities for closer cooperation among member countries.
The document encouraged national authorities and the OTS Secretariat to “explore the possibility of establishing an OTS Defence Industry College programme, to be hosted by Türkiye.”
The proposed initiative would facilitate exchanges of knowledge and experience, train qualified personnel and strengthen theoretical and practical expertise in the defense industry while helping participating countries adapt to technological developments.
The declaration welcomed a cooperation roadmap adopted Oct. 1 during a meeting of OTS defense industry institutions in Baku, Azerbaijan, and reaffirmed member states' commitment to expanding multilateral cooperation in the sector.
Cybersecurity also emerged as a priority, with leaders encouraging accelerated consultations on establishing an OTS Cyber Security Council.
The declaration called on member countries to expedite the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cybersecurity and cyber cooperation.
Leaders also reaffirmed their determination to strengthen coordination against terrorism, extremism, separatism and transnational organized crime, including drug trafficking, illicit firearms trafficking and cybercrime.
Beyond security cooperation, the declaration welcomed progress on the draft “Treaty on Strategic Partnership, Eternal Friendship and Brotherhood of Turkic States” and encouraged the completion of the organization's strategy for 2027-2031.
Member states and observers were also urged to strengthen coordination within international organizations and consider joint initiatives “where feasible and mutually agreed.”
The Ankara Declaration placed particular emphasis on strengthening transportation networks and expanding regional connectivity through the Middle Corridor.
Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to developing the trade route and improving the integration and utilization of existing railway infrastructure, including the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway.
They also expressed support for the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and the Zangazur Corridor, emphasizing their potential integration into the broader Middle Corridor network.
The declaration encouraged the development of an OTS transport corridors strategy alongside a comprehensive assessment of freight transit times along the route.
The proposed assessment would examine delays at border crossings, seaports and ferry crossings to identify practical measures for reducing delivery times and improving transportation efficiency.
On energy, member states endorsed closer cooperation through the expansion and modernization of cross-border pipelines, electricity transmission lines, storage facilities and interconnections.
The declaration also supported exploring opportunities for cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
On Cyprus, the declaration called for a negotiated, mutually acceptable and viable settlement based on existing realities on the island.
Leaders expressed solidarity with Turkish Cypriots, whom the declaration described as an integral part of the Turkic world, and supported their aspirations to secure “equal inherent rights.”
Addressing the situation in Gaza, the document emphasized the importance of fully implementing U.N. Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025) and the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.
The declaration said implementation was necessary to address the humanitarian situation, ensure security and stability, and facilitate Gaza's reconstruction and recovery.
OTS leaders also reaffirmed support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in accordance with relevant U.N. resolutions.
On Syria, the declaration reiterated support for the country's territorial integrity, unity and reconstruction.
It also emphasized continued coordinated efforts to promote peace, stability and sustainable development in Afghanistan.
The Ankara summit also marked the transfer of the organization's rotating chairmanship from Azerbaijan to Türkiye.
Ankara will hold the position until the next OTS summit, scheduled to take place in Uzbekistan in 2027.
The declaration also identified Mirvokhid Azimov as the organization's next secretary-general.
Established in 2009 as the Turkic Council, the organization adopted its current name during its eighth summit in Istanbul in 2021.
The OTS comprises five member states: Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Turkmenistan, Hungary, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the Economic Cooperation Organization hold observer status.
The Ankara summit, held Oct. 29-30, focused on strengthening cooperation and solidarity among Turkic states while advancing the organization's long-term Turkic World Vision 2040.
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