The pose that stole the show at the Organization of Turkic States Summit

15.05.2026 16:50

Within the framework of the ongoing Organization of Turkic States Summit in Turkistan, Kazakhstan, leaders visited the historical and cultural sites of the city together. The moment when leaders posed hand in hand during the sincere tour program drew attention.

The Informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has begun in the city of Turkistan, Kazakhstan.

Before the summit, held under the theme 'Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development' hosted by Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, leaders took a family photo. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was greeted by Tokayev upon his arrival at the Turkistan Congress Center.

In the family photo taken here, President Erdoğan, Kazakhstan's President Tokayev, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Japarov, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Tufan Erhürman, and OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev were present.

Speaking at the summit, President Erdoğan stated that he feels fortunate to be in the city of Turkistan, the city of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi, and thanked Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for his hospitality. Erdoğan noted that the ancient city of Turkistan is a living monument of the shared memory extending from the Orkhon Inscriptions to Divan-i Lugat-it-Turk, from Kutadgu Bilig to Dede Korkut, and said, 'Turkistan, from which the dervishes of Anatolia drew inspiration, is one of the strongest links of the unshakable bridge we have built between the past and the future.'

EMPHASIS ON 'TRNC' AT THE SUMMIT

Stating that another aspect that makes the summit meaningful for them is the representation of the Turkish Cypriot people, an inseparable part of the Turkic world, and that he is pleased to see President Tufan Erhürman at the Turkistan summit, Erdoğan said, 'I hope that the Turkic world will continue to strengthen and maintain its political, economic, and cultural relations with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.'

'WE WILL ALSO BRING FORTH NEW SCIENTISTS FROM THESE FERTILE LANDS'

Emphasizing that they need to maximize cooperation, especially in technology, to have more say and influence in the world of the future, President Erdoğan continued as follows:

'I find it very appropriate that our summit is held with the theme 'Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development.' In terms of shaping the future, it is of great importance for us to adopt the vision of a digitally developing Turkic world. 115 years after Gaspirali's motto 'Unity in language, thought, and work,' it is time for us to add the phrase 'Unity in digital vision.' This vision should be built on qualified human resources, strong digital infrastructures, and a data-based public administration approach, and digital connectivity among us should be strengthened. The development of joint technology projects among our countries will undoubtedly support this vision. We are aware that falling behind in the digital transformation process will also be a factor threatening our independence. To ensure that artificial intelligence does not become a tool of domination, we must address this theme from a perspective of opportunity. I believe that from these fertile lands that raised Al-Khwarizmi, the father of algebra and algorithms; Farabi, the master of philosophy and logic; Ibn Sina, who illuminated medical science with his work; and the pioneers of astronomy, Biruni, Ulugh Beg, and Ali Qushji, we will also bring forth new scientists.'

President Erdoğan emphasized the importance of ensuring international justice in digital development as in all fields, stating, 'Bridging the digital divide between developed and least developed countries should form the basis of this perspective.'

Erdoğan noted that they value the cooperation of the United Nations Technology Bank in Gebze with the members and observers of the Organization, and drew attention to the need to be vigilant against new risk areas brought by artificial intelligence technologies.

'WE AIM TO TAKE COORDINATION AND COOPERATION IN CYBERSECURITY TO A HIGHER LEVEL'

Erdoğan stated that next-generation threats to data banks and critical national infrastructures are dimensions of digital transformation that need to be carefully managed, and said, 'Cybersecurity in today's world is as vital and essential as security on land, air, and sea. During our upcoming term presidency, we aim to take coordination and cooperation in cybersecurity within the Organization of Turkic States to a higher level.'

President Erdoğan stated that the progress they have made in the cultural field to date has become one of the most important pillars of Turkic integration, and said that the declaration of December 15 as 'World Turkic Language Family Day' at the 43rd UNESCO General Conference held in Samarkand in 2025 is a common success for everyone.

Erdoğan emphasized the importance of using the Common Turkic Alphabet in a wide area from education to culture, from academic cooperation to digital transformation, and said, 'We believe that artificial intelligence-based initiatives such as the Turkic language model, which will make the richness of our common language visible in the digital world, should be supported.'

'TURKIC STATES HAVE NOW ACQUIRED HIGH-LEVEL REFLEXES ON COMMON ISSUES'

Noting that digital cooperation in this area can be strengthened through models such as the Turkic World Civil Society Support System, President Erdoğan stated the following:

'The crises occurring in our near vicinity have once again revealed the strategic value of the Turkic world acting in solidarity. In the face of geopolitical challenges, we must strengthen our consultation mechanisms and coordination. We see benefit in implementing the OTS Plus format as soon as possible. Our increasing contacts and those of our ministers confirm that the Turkic states have now acquired high-level reflexes on common issues. As demonstrated by today's crisis centered on the Strait of Hormuz, transportation projects connecting the Turkic world, especially the common Corridor, will continue to be our priority for many years to come.

Palestine, Lebanon, Iran, Ukraine, and many other crises indicate that we need to strengthen our defense and increase our cooperation in the industrial field. As Turkey, we are ready to share the experience we have gained in the defense industry, shaped by high technology, with the members of our Organization. We attach importance to the regular holding of defense industry institutions meetings within our Organization.'

'WE EXPECT YOUR VALUABLE SUPPORT FOR MEHDİ EKER'

President Erdoğan stated that they are designing the COP31 Climate Summit, to be held in Turkey in November, with an approach that highlights the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence and digital technologies, and said, 'Additionally, we are in a transformation that aims to make maximum use of technology to support agricultural production.'

Stating that he will be happy to host participants in Ankara at the upcoming summit of the Organization of Turkish States before the end of this year, Erdogan said, "On this occasion, I thank Dear Azerbaijan, the current Term President of our Organization, for its contributions to the integration of our Family Council. I once again extend my thanks to my esteemed brother Mr. Tokayev for his extraordinary hospitality. I congratulate you in advance on the blessed Eid al-Adha and wish you a peaceful holiday. I hope that our Turkistan Summit will be auspicious for the Turkish world and all friendly and brotherly countries." he used the expressions.