BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 8. Azerbaijan's significant involvement in the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and its geopolitical relevance for the region, along with the nation's economic potential, are crucial to this organization, political scientist Azer Garayev told Trend.
“The Organization of Turkic States is a significant regional entity that unites Turkic nations. Azerbaijan's pivotal role in the organization and its strategic significance for the region, together with the nation's economic potential, are crucial to this collaboration. Azerbaijan holds a significant position within the Organization of Turkic States, both politically and economically. The nation's plentiful natural resources, particularly its energy assets, enhance its strategic significance within the organization. The strategic location of Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus is crucial for maintaining stability and security in the region. Azerbaijan spearheads numerous initiatives to enhance political, economic, and cultural connections within the Turkic realm,” Garayev said.
According to him, the OTS is stepping into the limelight as a new powerhouse, flexing its muscles both in the political arena and the economic landscape.
“Turning this organization into a center of power in the current global geopolitical situation will be an important breakthrough for the Turkic world. Even greater integration of the countries strengthens their independence and regional influence, allowing them to play a more important role on the world stage. Joint initiatives in the field of energy resources, transport corridors, and the development of digital technologies are the main factors in establishing the organization as a new bloc. Energy and transport projects implemented at the initiative of Azerbaijan strengthen economic cooperation between the member states and make them important players in international energy markets,” Garayev said.
The political scientist noted that the OTS stands as a vital conduit, weaving together the rich tapestries of Asia and Europe and hence nurturing essential pathways like the Middle Corridor that connect distant lands.
“President Ilham Aliyev, speaking at the summit of heads of state of the Organization of Turkic States in Bishkek on November 6, touched upon several important topics, including the transit potential of the region and Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan, as the main part of the route connecting the Middle Corridor and the East with the West, creates conditions for the expansion of transport and trade ties in the region. This corridor further strengthens economic integration among Turkic states as a trade route from Central Asia to Europe. One of the key steps to improving the efficiency of this route and accelerating trade between Turkic states is its digitization. This increases the transparency of logistics operations, simplifies customs procedures, and facilitates the timely delivery of goods. Digitization also makes the trade process safer by improving security and tracking systems during transportation. Several projects are underway to digitize the Middle Corridor and facilitate trade. These projects will help improve logistics efficiency and reduce costs,” the policy analyst noted.
Garayev pointed out that in his speech, the head of state also noted the growing threats in the world and stressed the great importance of cooperation between our countries in the fields of defense, security, and the defense industry.
“As President Ilham Aliyev noted, given the growing global threats, our cooperation in defense, security, and the defense industry is of tremendous importance. Cooperation among our law enforcement and security agencies has expanded in recent times. Military exercises are held with the participation of the armed forces of our countries.
I believe it is important to increase the number of joint military exercises within the OTS, strengthen security ties, and expand cooperation in border security and cyber security. Member states, by sharing experience in the military industry, have the opportunity to develop their own national defense industries and expand the production of weapons and equipment based on modern technologies. This also increases the independent defense capabilities of the OTS countries and makes them stronger," the political scientist noted.
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