Baku, April 2, AZERTAC

On April 2, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye Cevdet Yılmaz, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Adylbek Kasymaliev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nokerguly Atagulyyev, Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ünal Üstel, and Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States Kubanychbek Omuraliev.

The head of state addressed the meeting.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

- The meeting of the heads of government of the member states of the Organization of Turkic States is being held in Baku on this occasion. I extend my sincere welcome to all of you.

I am confident that this meeting will prove highly productive. As always, our countries will demonstrate unity and solidarity. At the same time, this gathering holds great significance for addressing the key economic issues before us.

Azerbaijan has made—and will continue to make—a substantial contribution to the development of the Organization of Turkic States. This remains a priority area of our foreign policy. We have repeatedly affirmed, across various platforms, that the Turkic world is our family, and we have no other. Undoubtedly, making joint efforts to secure the future of this family is of utmost importance.

In our foreign policy, relations with the member states of the Organization of Turkic States remain a priority. Our historical, cultural, and ethnic roots provide a strong foundation for these relations. Today, as independent states, we speak with a unified voice in all international organizations and consistently support one another. We stand by each other in both prosperous and challenging times.

Naturally, further steps will be taken to advance the future development of our organization. Today, the Organization of Turkic States has earned considerable prestige on the global stage, and our international standing continues to strengthen. Our capacity to influence regional processes is growing, and the global role of our organization is expanding. We must reinforce our positions through collective effort. The Organization of Turkic States must secure its place among the world’s leading international institutions. This depends on our actions. The greater the effort we invest, the more unity we demonstrate, the more significant projects we undertake, and the more opportunities we create for our partners, the greater our international influence, standing, and capabilities will be.

There are many international organizations in the world, but few are founded on the basis of ethnic ties. This represents a significant advantage for us. What unites us is our shared ethnic heritage—this is the primary factor. Beyond that, our geography, the warm and friendly relations between our countries, and our common objectives further strengthen our bond. Taking all these factors into account, we must elevate our organization to an even higher level. Summits, of course, play a crucial role in the development of our organization.

These meetings are held regularly. As you know, at Azerbaijan’s initiative, informal meetings of the heads of state have also been introduced. The first such informal summit took place in Shusha, Garabagh. This practice has already become a tradition, and I believe it is a highly positive development. The heads of state now convene at least twice a year. There are numerous issues to address, and global processes are evolving rapidly, requiring ongoing consultation, the exchange of views, and coordinated action to ensure sound decisions are made.

In the economic sphere—which will be the main focus of your meeting today—clear progress is evident. Azerbaijan’s trade turnover with all member states is increasing, and the volume of mutual investment continues to grow. We have invested more than $20 billion in the economies of the member states. Naturally, the majority of this investment has been directed toward Türkiye. However, mutual investment with other member states is also expanding. We have established joint investment funds with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, and through these funds, numerous projects are already being implemented or are under preparation.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the support of brotherly countries in the restoration of Garabagh. Your contributions to both reconstruction efforts and the establishment of new enterprises in Garabagh are of great importance to us. As you know, the Mirzo Ulugbek School, gifted by Uzbekistan, is already in operation. The Kurmangazy Children’s Creativity Center, a gift from Kazakhstan, is also in operation. The Manas School, a gift from Kyrgyzstan, is likewise operational. These facilities are located in the Fuzuli and Aghdam districts.

Many Turkish companies are engaged in key infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, tunnels, and railways. At the same time, job creation in Garabagh is of great importance to us, and the first foreign investments are being made by brotherly countries.

With the support of Uzbekistan, a large sewing factory has commenced operations in Khankendi, which we inaugurated together with the esteemed President Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev. All of this once again demonstrates that, on the most important issue for us—the restoration of Garabagh and East Zangezur—brotherly countries stand by our side.

In turn, we are always ready to provide the necessary support, and we continue to do so. Following the devastating earthquake in Türkiye, Azerbaijan demonstrated its fraternal solidarity, and with Azerbaijan’s financial support, the Azerbaijan Quarter, valued at $100 million, was constructed in Kahramanmaraş. Together with the esteemed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, we inaugurated this quarter.

These actions constitute both practical assistance and a clear demonstration of our intentions. They also convey to our peoples that we must always stand by one another, and they demonstrate to the world that the Turkic world and the Organization of Turkic States spare no effort to achieve our common goals—both in times of prosperity and in times of difficulty.

Of course, alongside economic issues and investment, one of our principal tasks today is to expand transport, logistics, and transit capabilities. In principle, there is always a need for this. The Middle Corridor, passing through our countries, serves the interests of us all. Especially in the current geopolitical environment, projects such as the Middle Corridor, the Trans-Caspian Corridor, and the Zangezur Corridor are becoming increasingly important.

I believe that the Azerbaijani side will provide information on this matter today. A substantial portion of the work within the territory of Azerbaijan has already been completed. Our railways, the Baku Trade Port, highways, and airports—all transport infrastructure—have been brought to full readiness.

Regarding the Zangezur Corridor, approximately 90 percent of the highway and about 70 percent of the railway have been completed. I hope that this project will be fully implemented in the near future. We are also pleased that construction of the Kars–Nakhchivan railway has begun in Türkiye. The coordinated and synchronized implementation of these projects will open a new international corridor — a branch of the Middle Corridor.

The railway infrastructure we have developed is designed to transport 15 million tons of cargo at the initial stage, with the potential for further expansion. In any case, the opening of a new corridor with a capacity of 15 million tons is of great importance not only for our countries but also for the wider region. Here, too, we are pursuing a highly serious and responsible approach—safeguarding our national interests while offering new transport routes to the world.

This once again demonstrates that the purpose of our countries and our organization is to promote peace, cooperation, stability, mutual respect, and mutual benefit. I wished to share these thoughts with you. I am aware that you have a busy agenda today and many important issues to address. I am confident that your meeting will make a further valuable contribution to the development of our organization. Once again, I extend my welcome to you.

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Addressing the meeting, Cevdet Yılmaz, Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, said:

- Mr. President, we express our gratitude for receiving us. I have brought, and wish to convey, the most sincere greetings to you from your Dear Brother in Türkiye, our President Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan."

President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you very much.

Cevdet Yılmaz: I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone on the past Ramadan and Novruz holidays, and I pray that they bring peace, abundance, and prosperity to our region and the world.

I first heard about this meeting format from you; I know it was your idea. We held a very successful meeting in Kyrgyzstan as well. Inshallah, we will hold the second one here with my dear brother, Mr. Ali Asadov. First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude once again for your contributions to both this meeting and the Organization of Turkic States.

As you noted a moment ago, the economy is of great importance. Significant processes are taking place in our region. These have negative impacts in the short term, but I believe they will bring us new opportunities in the medium term. Countries that preserve stability and peace during these times, in particular, will rise to a very favorable position in the new era. Inshallah, we will take steps in these directions all together. Energy and transportation issues are vital. You specifically emphasized this; the opening of the Zangezur Corridor, in particular, will bring great benefits both to Türkiye-Azerbaijan relations and to the wider geography.

On the other hand, regarding energy, the world has clearly recognized the importance of diversification following recent global events. In these fields, Inshallah, we are evaluating new opportunities together, especially regarding Caspian transit. We will also strive together to develop mutual investments. I believe that significant new investment opportunities will emerge.

As you highlighted earlier, the Organization of Turkic States has come a long way in a very short period. Inshallah, this will continue to deepen in the coming period. Your chairmanship of the Organization continues very successfully. We are especially grateful for the close attention and support you have shown to the Organization of Turkic States since its early days.

We also feel great pride and honor regarding the development in Garabagh. Garabagh has become Azerbaijan once again; it has regained its freedom. However, it did not stop there; there is immense development and investment in Karabakh. God willing, in the near future, we will all see an even more developed Garabagh. As the Republic of Türkiye, we will always stand by Garabagh and Azerbaijan with whatever means we have.

As you mentioned, you stood by us very strongly during the earthquake; we are grateful. Indeed, as the Republic of Türkiye, we thank the entire Turkic world for the solidarity shown. The blessing and strength of being in unity lie exactly here. We always support one another in difficult times and in good times. Especially in an era where global institutions and rules are weakening, regional cooperation has gained even greater importance. In this regard, the Organization of Turkic States has reached a more significant position in the new era than ever before.

Today, the Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is also among us. I would like to specifically thank both Your Excellency and the Mr. Prime Minister for your sensitivity regarding the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Inshallah, together with our colleagues, we will discuss the topics you mentioned in detail and provide all the support we can to the vision set forth by you, our leaders.

I express my gratitude once again to Your Excellency and my dear brother Mr. Ali Asadov for the excellent organization. Thank you very much.

President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you very much.

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Abdulla Aripov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, said:

- Your Excellency Mr. President, esteemed Ilham Heydar oglu,

First of all, I would like to convey to you the warmest greetings and best wishes of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, His Excellency Mr. Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev. Taking this opportunity, I would like to express my deep gratitude to you for your special attention and for the traditional hospitality characteristic of the brotherly Azerbaijani people.

We highly value Azerbaijani-Uzbek relations, which have risen to the level of a strategic partnership and alliance. Undoubtedly, the open and trust-based dialogue, as well as the fraternal and friendly relations between Your Excellency and Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, further unite our brotherly peoples. The Uzbek people rejoice at the achievements of brotherly Azerbaijan. Under your wise leadership, Azerbaijan is developing rapidly and achieving great success year after year. Thanks to your personal efforts and initiatives, Garabagh — an important and integral part of brotherly Azerbaijan — has become an increasingly prosperous region in recent years.

My colleague Ali Asadov and I are in constant contact. We highly appreciate the effective cooperation within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States. We are ready to make every effort to further strengthen our organization.

Taking this opportunity, I wish peace and prosperity to you and, through you, to the brotherly Azerbaijani people.

Thank you for the reception.

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Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, said:

- Esteemed Ilham Heydar oglu,

On my own behalf, I would like to express my deep gratitude to you for allocating time for our delegation despite your busy schedule. I would also like to note that the 2nd meeting of the heads of government of the Organization of Turkic States has been excellently organized, and that such meetings create an excellent opportunity for open and substantive dialogue. Taking this opportunity, I would like to convey to you and the brotherly Azerbaijani people the warmest greetings and best wishes of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, esteemed Sadyr Nurgojoevich Zhaparov.

The Kyrgyz Republic highly values its relations with Azerbaijan, which are based on brotherhood and mutual respect. We attach great importance to your forthcoming historic state visit to Kyrgyzstan. It is gratifying that today’s meeting confirms the commitment of our countries to deepening cooperation within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States. I am confident that projects in the fields of trade, transport, and logistics will continue to serve the sustainable development of our states.

Indeed, our countries have great potential in all areas of mutual interest.

In conclusion, esteemed Ilham Heydar oglu, I would like to thank you once again for your sincere hospitality. I wish you strong health and success, and wish peace and prosperity to the brotherly Azerbaijani people.

Thank you for your attention.

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Olzhas Bektenov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, said:

- Your Excellency Mr. President, honorable Ilham Heydar oglu. First of all, I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to meet with you on the soil of brotherly Azerbaijan. Allow me to convey the sincere greetings of President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev to you. I had a conversation with him on the eve of my visit, and he gave his necessary instructions.

Relations between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are developing very dynamically. We have numerous large-scale economic projects. This year, we will complete our first major strategic project, the fiber-optic cable project, being built along the bottom of the Caspian Sea, which will connect Europe with China and the Asian region. We hope that this project will give a great impetus to the development of all our states and our region.

Within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States, we have very good, sincere, and trust-based relations among colleagues, friends, and brothers. The number of our economic projects is quite high. We are in close contact with our colleagues at the government level; we meet frequently and try to resolve issues at our level so that our leaders can discuss positive changes when they meet.

We look forward to seeing you and the leaders of the member states of the organization at the informal meeting of the OTS in the holy city of Turkistan on May 15 of this year, and we are preparing to welcome our high-level guests.

Mr. President, once again, I convey my best wishes to you and the brotherly people of Azerbaijan. Thank you.

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Nokerguly Atagulyyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, said:

- Honorable Mr. President, I greet you. Thank you for receiving us. With your permission, I would like to convey the sincere greetings of our esteemed Arkadag and our honorable President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Today’s meeting has been organized excellently, and I want to thank you for the invitation to this gathering. We are confident that this meeting will be held successfully. Together with our colleagues, we will discuss increasing our trade turnover and other matters, and we will strive to bring our peoples closer together. You have made a great contribution to this work, and for that, I would like to express my gratitude and wish you continued success. Thank you.

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Ünal Üstel, Prime Minister of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, said:

- Honorable Mr. President, I would like to express the happiness I feel in being here in brotherly Azerbaijan. I sincerely thank you on behalf of my people, my government, and myself for this reception.

I am very grateful for the initiative of the leader of our motherland, the Republic of Türkiye, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and for the support that you, President of brotherly Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, have given us regarding the observer membership of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in the Organization of Turkic States. My people feel great happiness seeing that this support continues.

However, given the current situation in the world, as you previously stated: “The Turkic family is our family; we have no other family.” To strengthen this family, we, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, as your brothers in the Mediterranean, living on an island that sustains itself entirely through tourism and healthcare in the middle of the sea, are your border guards there. In this regard, given where we stand and following the current situation, we must accelerate our cooperation by moving from observer membership to full membership in the Organization of Turkic States.

At this stage, we see that you can use the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus as a base to eliminate difficulties in transportation and to establish cooperation between our businessmen, our people, and other sectors. Because our country, situated in the middle of the Mediterranean and in a convenient island position reachable from all sides, will feel great pleasure in establishing cooperation with you. I thank you once again for the support you have always given us in this direction.

I am delighted to be together with my fellow Prime Ministers. I would especially like to thank the Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, in your presence, for the attention he has shown us.

The cooperation of this family is very important for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Just as you fought a great struggle for liberation in Garabagh, we, the people living in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, carried out a great struggle for freedom with the immense support given to us by the Republic of Türkiye; we gave many martyrs. You also gave many martyrs in Garabagh and Shusha. I would like to once again remember our martyrs there with respect and honor in your presence.

I take this opportunity to sincerely congratulate you on the recent Ramadan and Novruz holidays. Thank you.

President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you very much.

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Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, said:

- Dear Mr. President, Excellencies, I would like to express my gratitude for today’s meeting with you. The Organization of Turkic States is strengthening and enhancing day by day, and the role of the Organization is increasing in the international arena, as you mentioned. Let me express my appreciation as well for your contribution to our organization. I would like to recall your words, Your Excellency; you mentioned that the Turkic world is our family and we don't have another family.

As you mentioned, the main priority of Azerbaijan's foreign policy is cooperation with OTS countries. This serves as an additional contribution to the strengthening of our organization. The theme of the 12th summit in Gabala last year was “Regional Peace and Security” – it is important and timely given the current developments in the region and beyond. Let me also express my appreciation for your proposal during the summit to convene joint military exercises for OTS member states in Azerbaijan. Your invitation, Your Excellency, has been circulated among our heads of state of the OTS countries.

Excellencies, today we will have our meeting of the Heads of Government and Vice President of OTS member states in Baku to strengthen our practical coordination and ensure better coordination among our governments for the execution of the instructions given by our leaders at the summits.

I believe that such a mechanism is needed for our organization for the timely and proper implementation of all programs and the projects for solidarity and deepened cooperation with the OTS.

Last month, as you know, an informal meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OTS was held in order to discuss the current situation in the region and beyond. The regulation of the OTS Plus format signed during the meeting promotes dialogue, cooperation, and partnership in the region and the international arena, as well as the visibility and influence of the OTS in multilateral diplomacy. Upon your initiative, we are also convening an Informal Summit of the OTS every year. In this regard, as Your Excellency mentioned, on May 15, an OTS meeting is planned to be held in Turkestan, Kazakhstan, gathering the leaders of the OTS more than once a year for further coordination of cooperation and visibility in the international arena.

Once again, I would like to thank you for your support and contribution to the development and solidarity of the brotherhood of the Turkic world.

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Prime Minister Ali Asadov said:

- Honorable Mr. President, with your permission, on behalf of all my colleagues and myself, I would like to express our gratitude to you for receiving us. The issues you raised in your speech will undoubtedly serve as a roadmap for me and my colleagues going forward.

Honorable Mr. President, as you stated during the inauguration ceremony on February 14, 2024, our family is the Turkic world. This statement of yours serves as a guiding principle for all of us — for all of Azerbaijan and, in particular, for the Government of Azerbaijan. We are building our activities in this direction. The holding of today’s meeting — the second meeting of the Organization of Turkic States — in Baku is also part of these efforts.

Honorable Mr. President, guided by the tasks you and your colleagues have set before us and our governments, we have formed our agenda for today, which has been agreed upon with all my colleagues. As you mentioned, let me briefly outline the main issues: these include trade and economic cooperation, investment collaboration — including bilateral and multilateral funds. I would also like to mention the funds established by the two brotherly countries, including the Turkic Investment Fund. In the fields of transport and transit, energy — including green energy — logistics, as well as the Middle Corridor and the Zangezur Corridor, which you highlighted today, hold great importance not only for Azerbaijan and Türkiye, but for the wider region as well.

Mr. President, based on the issues arising from the Declaration of the 12th Summit of the Heads of State in Gabala, we will adopt a statement at the end of our meeting. This has already been coordinated through diplomatic channels.

Honorable Mr. President, once again, I would like to express our gratitude to you. Thank you very much.

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Concluding the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev said:

- Thank you very much. I kindly ask you to convey my sincere greetings to the heads of state of your countries—my friends and brothers. Every meeting with them is highly valuable, meaningful, and deeply appreciated by me.

The views expressed here today once again demonstrate that our organization has a very bright future. Every member state and observer state seeks to strengthen our organization and to enhance its role on the world stage. I am confident that we will achieve this.

I would also like to address one additional issue. In my opening remarks, I shared my views on the uniqueness of our organization. There is another point I would like to highlight, which is also of great importance. Relations among the member states of our organization are excellent in the bilateral format as well. There are no problems or misunderstandings. I can say that this is a rare phenomenon among international organizations.

We are all aware of the nature of international organizations, where disputes, confrontations, and even conflicts may arise between member states. However, our uniqueness—and our shared fundamental value—lies in the fact that, in both multilateral and bilateral formats, there is only goodwill, positive intent, mutual support, respect, and esteem. This is an immense asset. We must preserve it and instill it in future generations.

We must continue to strengthen our organization in all directions so that, over time, it becomes a global actor on the world stage. Once again, I emphasize that we possess all the necessary conditions to achieve this. First and foremost are our unity, our common ethnic roots, our vast geography, our energy resources, and our transport routes.

Today, when it comes to transport, it is impossible to bypass our region. Through continued investment, with each country contributing within its own territory, we are making this geography an even more significant factor. I am confident that the issues discussed today, as well as those that will be addressed during your meeting, will further strengthen the capabilities of our organization.

Once again, welcome.