“Not A Military Alliance, But A Platform For Cooperation” — Tokayev Speaks At OTS Summit In Turkestan

An informal summit of the heads of state of the Organization of Turkic States took place in Turkestan on Friday. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev addressed the summit, Orda.kz reports.

Below are the key points from his speech.

Tokayev first emphasized that the OTS is not a military alliance.

A Platform For Economic And Humanitarian Cooperation

Recently, there have been opinions characterizing our association as a military alliance. Those who spread such speculation pursue unkind goals and seek to sow discord. Kazakhstan considers it necessary to reject this position. The Organization of Turkic States is not a geopolitical project. It is not a military organization. It is a platform aimed at strengthening trade, economic, high-tech, digital, cultural and humanitarian cooperation between brotherly countries. I am confident that today’s meeting will further strengthen the unity of our countries,Tokayev said.

A Terminology Base For Turkic Languages And Joint Research

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also proposed creating a common terminology base for Turkic languages.

In the era of technological progress and humanitarian integration, it is necessary to form a common terminology base for Turkic languages. The Turkic Academy recently published an eight-volume terminology dictionary in English, Russian and Turkic languages. This work will help unify terms and strengthen the common scientific space,the president said.

He proposed creating a commission that would include experts.

Another initiative concerns the Center of Turkic Civilization in Turkestan. According to Tokayev, it will conduct joint scientific research and implement cultural projects and educational programs.

Taking into account Turkestan’s role in our spirituality, a decision has been made to establish the Center of Turkic Civilization in this city. The center will provide conditions for conducting joint scientific research and implementing cultural projects and educational programs,Tokayev said.

A Central Hub For Turkic AI And Space Projects

Tokayev proposed opening a joint center for the digital hubs of Turkic Council countries. The president said it could be called Turkic AI and be based at the Alem AI center. According to him, the hub should promote the shared technological interests of Turkic states.

Another proposal concerns the mutual recognition of electronic documents and digital signatures. Tokayev said this work is needed to develop trade and economic cooperation between OTS countries.

Tokayev separately addressed the space sector. He said Turkic states have the scientific, technological and financial potential for joint projects in satellite communications, navigation and monitoring.

The space sector is one of the key factors that can help improve the competitiveness of Turkic states. Our countries have the necessary scientific, technological and financial potential for the systematic development of this area. It is especially necessary to expand our interaction by implementing joint projects in satellite communications, navigation and monitoring. This will make it possible to strengthen our technological independence and increase our innovation potential,Tokayev said.

He also recalled his initiatives from last year — the creation of OTS digital monitoring and digital innovation centers, as well as a cybersecurity council.

Original author: Evgeniy Naumovich

Read also:

• Tokayev and Orban Hold Talks Ahead of Informal OTS Summit
• Why Did Kazakhstan’s President Not Attend the Azerbaijan Summit?
• Multi-vector or Travel Season? Why Did Leaders Come to Kazakhstan?