The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is transforming into a strategic platform, and geopolitical competition is evolving towards multipolarity.

Erdogan's post-summit declaration signals the accelerated transformation of the organization, once bound by culture and language, into a pragmatic geopolitical cooperative.

"Global tensions affect everyone, including the member states of the OTS," Turkish President Erdogan said after the OTS summit, echoing the organization's deepening strategic transformation in recent years.

The 11th OTS Summit, themed "Strengthening the Turkic World: Economic Integration, Sustainable Development, a Digital Future, and Security for All," saw leaders of member states gather in Bishkek and adopt several important documents, including the Bishkek Declaration.

Erdogan emphasized that the OTS is no longer merely a cultural association, but has become a strategic cooperation platform. The organization is discussing comprehensive cooperation in areas ranging from intelligence and border security to cyberspace.

01 Organizational Transformation: From Cultural Identity to Strategic Collaboration

The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was established in 2009, initially as the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States, focusing primarily on cultural and linguistic ties. In 2021, the organization officially changed its name to the "Organization of Turkic States," marking its transition to a more comprehensive cooperation mechanism.

Strategic cooperation has become the organization's new direction. Erdogan noted, "There is a global trend toward increased defense spending and strengthened security measures, and as the OTS, we are also taking steps in this direction."

The outcomes of the November 2024 summit reflect this strategic shift. Member states signed documents such as the "Agreement on the Establishment of the Civil Protection Mechanism of the OTS" and the "Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of the Council of Central Banks of the OTS Member States," broadening the scope of cooperation.

At the same time, the OTS is strengthening its influence by expanding its membership. Hungary, as an observer state, has pledged $100 million to the "Turkic Investment Fund." Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated at the summit that Hungary has begun receiving natural gas from Turkey and Azerbaijan, despite them not being Hungary's neighbors.

02 Geopolitical Context: Repositioning in a Changing Global Landscape

The strategic transformation of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) occurs against the backdrop of complex global geopolitical shifts. Russia's military actions in Ukraine and Western sanctions against Russia have reshaped the balance of power in Eurasia.

These changes have prompted OTS member states to seek diversified partners to reduce their dependence on Russia and China, with Turkey seen as an economic and geopolitical counterweight. Turkey has actively seized this opportunity to expand its influence through the OTS platform.

Amid intensifying great power competition and the rise of anti-globalization, regional countries are accelerating the development of the OTS, seeking to strengthen ties and balance the influence of major powers. They are motivated by the desire to "not put all their eggs in one basket," and are therefore accelerating the development of the OTS.

At the same time, Russia remains wary of Turkey's expanding influence in Central Asia. Russian experts believe that Turkey's plan to establish the OTS is an attempt to reorient former Soviet states towards its own interests.

03 Security Cooperation: The Practice of a New Strategic Priority

Security cooperation has become a core component of the Organization of Turkic States' strategic transformation. At the summit, Azerbaijani President Aliyev emphasized, "Given the growing global threats, our cooperation in defense, security, and the defense industry is of vital importance."

Defense cooperation has seen concrete progress. Aliyev noted that joint military exercises involving member states' armed forces and the training of cadets from various countries at Azerbaijani military educational institutions demonstrate the mutual trust and friendship among the organization's member states.

Turkey's drone technology has become a key tool for security cooperation. The performance of Turkish drones in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict demonstrated Turkey's capabilities as a security provider. Since then, Central Asian countries such as Kyrgyzstan have purchased Turkish drones and established drone bases.

The Organization of Turkic States is also strengthening cooperation in the field of non-traditional security. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov expressed his willingness to actively participate in strengthening cooperation on security issues and emphasized the need to improve "mechanisms for jointly addressing new threats to the security of the organization's member states."

04 Economic Connections: The Foundation of Strategic Cooperation

Economic cooperation is the material foundation for the Organization of Turkic States' strategic transformation. At the summit, Erdogan noted that the Organization's members boast a young and vibrant population of nearly 175 million, with a cumulative trade volume exceeding $1.2 trillion.

Transport connectivity is a key focus of economic cooperation. The Middle Corridor project has become a focal point for the Organization. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated, "To promote economic growth, we must fully leverage the potential of the Middle Corridor."

Energy cooperation is also a crucial aspect of economic connectivity. Hungarian Prime Minister Orban noted at the summit, "Hungary has begun receiving natural gas from Turkey and Azerbaijan." Meanwhile, "Hungarian Oil and Gas Group has begun production at oil fields in Kazakhstan."

The Organization of Turkic States is also promoting innovation in financial cooperation. The summit signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of the Turkic Green Finance Council and a Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of the Council of Central Banks of the Organization of Turkic States Member States."

05 Regional and Global Impact: Balances and Challenges

The Organization of Turkic States' strategic transformation has subtle implications for the regional balance of power. Russia, which has traditionally viewed Central Asia as its sphere of influence, remains wary of Turkey's expanding influence.

Russia remains wary of Turkey's infiltration into Central Asia. Russian experts believe the establishment of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is intended to distance CIS countries from Russia.

Meanwhile, China is also a key player in the region. Turkey has become a dialogue partner of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and is seeking full membership. This move suggests that Ankara is exploring alternatives to its typically tense relationship with the West.

The OTS also faces coordination challenges. Kyrgyz political analyst Bakty Baktayev noted, "We should not expect the OTS summit to achieve any particularly significant political outcomes or a highly consistent stance on international issues, given the geographical dispersion and divergent interests of the countries."

Kazakh expert Jansaya Nuralieva noted that the OTS also faces competition from global players such as the EU, China, and Russia.

The OTS's transformation coincides with a restructuring of the global geopolitical landscape. With the advancement of the Middle Corridor initiative and the deepening of security cooperation, the OTS is transforming from a cultural identity organization into a substantive platform for geopolitical cooperation.

As the driving force behind the Organization of Turkic States, Turkey's strategic position is increasingly important. Straddling the Eurasian continent and controlling key waterways connecting the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, Turkey is well-positioned to act as a balancing act between various parties.

The future development of the Organization of Turkic States will depend on its ability to balance the diverse needs and interests of its member states and to find its place in the ever-changing international landscape.