How Is Turkey Strengthening Its Influence in Central Asia - INTERVIEW

The Caspian Post presents an interview with Engin Ozer, a Turkish political scientist and analyst.

• What are the main areas of cooperation between Turkey and the Central Asian states in recent years? In your view, which sectors have the greatest potential for further development?

• Many plans to strengthen the bonds among Turkic nations are largely being implemented through the Organization of Turkic States, initiated by Turkey. Originally, this organization was cultural rather than political. Over time, however, its roles and functions have evolved, and it has gradually gained political significance. It is not akin to the European Union and has no immediate plans to deepen integration among its member states. Currently, cooperation among Turkic states is growing, particularly in the trade and economic spheres, where Turkey plays an active role. However, it is important to note that not all Central Asian countries maintain such close ties with Turkey. For instance, there are certain challenges in relations with Turkmenistan. In the case of Azerbaijan, its ties with Turkey are distinct from other Turkic states, featuring a political and military alliance. This unique relationship deserves particular attention, as Turkey and Azerbaijan share a bond that goes beyond cultural connections alone.

• How do you assess Turkey’s role in strengthening cultural and economic ties among Central Asian countries? What are the key differences in Turkey’s approach compared to other major actors, such as China and Russia?

• Currently, there is a move toward creating a unified alphabet for Turkic nations, marking a significant step forward. In addition, cultural efforts emphasize educational programs and partnerships, with existing exchanges between universities and cultural institutions. Academic exchange plays a large role, as language – the foundation of culture – unites these states, with linguistic unity taking a top priority. In the near future, there may be a new television channel available across these countries, broadcasting programs in a unified language and script, further reinforcing this unity. As for other international players like China and Russia, they have their own roles in this region. China is primarily a trading partner and investor here. Russia, meanwhile, has long-standing ties with Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, based on historical foundations and educational links, as many Central Asian political and government leaders were educated in Moscow during the Soviet era. This has forged strong cultural connections, reinforced by a shared language and educational traditions.For now, integration continues primarily in the cultural domain, though attention is also given to strengthening trade and economic ties among these states.

• Given global changes, how does Turkey plan to strengthen its influence and economic presence in Central Asia, considering competition from other countries?
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• Turkey’s economic cooperation with Central Asian nations is deepening and gaining significance. Many Turkic entrepreneurs are adapting to current circumstances and actively investing in the economies of Central Asian countries. This trend is already underway, encouraging increased Turkish investments in the region. In the near future, plans include easing customs regulations for these nations, which could boost trade. However, a significant issue remains – logistics. Currently, the primary transportation route to Central Asia runs through Georgia, and the single checkpoint struggles to handle the high volume of goods. If the Zangezur Corridor is opened, it will greatly speed up transport processes and improve logistics. At present, logistical challenges remain the main obstacle that needs resolution to enhance economic cooperation.

• What do you see as the prospects for Turkey-Central Asia security cooperation, particularly in light of current challenges related to extremism and regional instability?

• In the future, a structure similar to Russia’s existing organization for Central Asian countries could be established – an anti-terrorism center with a dedicated analytical division and other specialized units. Turkey, with its extensive experience in counterterrorism, could initiate a similar structure. Turkish experts could share their expertise in this area, which would be a highly effective step in countering terrorist threats. However, Turkey does not plan to form a military alliance within the Organization of Turkic States. At present, Turkey is not considering military cooperation with these nations in an alliance format, especially given that some are already members of the CSTO. The main focus will likely be on establishing an anti-terrorism center for collaborative efforts. Such cooperation could be especially valuable, as individuals from Central Asia who were involved in terrorist activities have previously been on Turkish territory. Close cooperation among intelligence agencies could help prevent threats more effectively and facilitate information sharing.

• What obstacles exist in deepening integration between Turkey and Central Asia, and what steps, in your opinion, could be taken to overcome them?

• Customs procedures play a crucial role in developing trade relations between Turkey and Central Asian countries. Simplifying customs regimes could significantly increase mutual trade volumes. In this context, initiatives to create simplified customs corridors are worth noting. For example, in May 2024, Turkey and Turkmenistan discussed a draft agreement on a simplified customs corridor, which includes sharing preliminary information on goods between the customs services of the two countries to expedite control procedures. Furthermore, in November 2022, member states of the Organization of Turkic States signed an agreement to establish a simplified customs corridor aimed at facilitating trade flows among participants. Azerbaijan ratified this agreement in May 2023, signaling the region’s commitment to integration and streamlining trade procedures. These steps are intended to create favorable conditions for importers and exporters, thereby strengthening economic ties and building trust among these nations. Nonetheless, for these initiatives to succeed fully, logistical challenges must be addressed, including the development of transport infrastructure and the optimization of delivery routes.