The summit of the Organization of Turkic States is starting in Gabala.
Established in 2009 in the city of Nakhchivan, cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States has expanded in every field.
The main theme of this summit is called "Regional peace and security".
This topic was chosen because there is a possibility of various wars in the surrounding area spilling over into the region, and there is a need for Turkic states to expand cooperation in the field of security to prevent this.
In addition to political and economic relations among Turkic states, ways of cooperation in the military-technical field should also be sought. This includes items ranging from joint military exercises to the establishment of joint enterprises producing military equipment.
There are two approaches to the Organization of Turkic States in the international arena. The first approach is positive, the second approach is negative.
The USA and European Union countries view the Organization of Turkic States positively. Washington and Brussels consider the expansion of integration among Turkic states not dangerous but rather beneficial. For this reason, Washington and Brussels want the realization of the Zangezur corridor. The Zangezur corridor is one of the main projects that will strengthen integration among Turkic states.
The USA and the European Union have a 5+1 cooperation format with Central Asian countries. It is true that one of the main reasons for this cooperation format is the West's competition with Russia and China in Central Asia. The Central Asian countries themselves are also interested in the continuation of the 5+1 format. Because although these countries cooperate closely with Russia and China, they do not want to be dependent on these two countries and give priority to alternative directions. Central Asia’s not being dependent on Russia and China is also important for Turkic integration.
There are three countries worried about integration among Turkic states. They are Russia, China, and Iran. Officials and diplomats from these three countries do not make statements or declarations against integration among Turkic states. Nevertheless, Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran evaluate integration among Turkic states as a threat to themselves. However, integration among Turkic states is not directed against any state or union. Turkic unity is a factor that accelerates the independent development of Turkic states by strengthening mutual integration. Apparently, this factor does not please circles in Russia, Iran, and China. Russia, China, and Iran, which are in confrontation with the West, want neighboring states to follow policies like theirs. Turkic unity, on the other hand, is in dialogue with the West.
Russia, China, and Iran will not be able to prevent the integration of Turkic unity. Because integration among Turkic states is a demand of the times. The President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti), Ersin Tatar, will also participate in the meeting in Gabala. Ersin Tatar has been invited to all meetings of Turkic state leaders held in Azerbaijan. Turkey supports Northern Cyprus Turkish Republic’s transition from observer status to full membership in the Organization of Turkic States. Azerbaijan is ready to support this decision; the final word belongs to the leaders of the Central Asian countries.
Elkhan Shahinoglu,
political scientist
