Member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) have committed to enhancing collaboration in the areas of sustainable urban development and innovation, according to the Gabala Declaration adopted following the 12th Summit of OTS leaders in Azerbaijan.
The declaration highlights the countries’ support for signing a statement on the establishment of the Sustainable Cities Forum under the OTS framework, The Caspian Post informs via local media.
This initiative is expected to be launched during the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13).
The third Cultural Forum of the Turkic World is scheduled to take place in one of the Turkic states in 2027.
The declaration expressed gratitude for the successful hosting of the Second Cultural Forum of the Turkic World held in Khiva, Uzbekistan on April 27-28, 2025, highlighting its significant role in strengthening cultural integration among Turkic countries.
The forum was recognized as a vital platform for cultural dialogue within the Turkic world, with emphasis placed on the importance of holding the Third Cultural Forum in one of the Turkic states in 2027.
The OTS member states have agreed to intensify their joint efforts to secure observer status for the organization at both the United Nations General Assembly and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The declaration also highlights the Turkic states’ welcome of growing interest from third countries and international organizations in expanding cooperation with the OTS.
The OTS member states have called for enhanced coordination in organizing the upcoming "Turkic Week."
The declaration emphasizes, "We urge effective coordination among OTS member and observer states, as well as Turkic Cooperation structures, in conducting the 'Turkic Week' scheduled for January 2026 in Vienna. This event will contribute significantly to raising the international profile of the Turkic world."
Authorized bodies of the OTS member states will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in urban planning, spatial development, and sustainable urban growth.
The memorandum aims to promote knowledge exchange led by Azerbaijan, support sustainable recovery, advance smart city solutions, and ensure coordinated participation on regional and global platforms.
The OTS member states have expressed strong support for the commissioning and development of the Zangezur Corridor.
The declaration states: "We express support for the ongoing efforts of member states to commission and develop the Zangezur Corridor, reaffirm our commitment to fully utilizing the potential of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, and emphasize the importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route East-West [Middle Corridor] and the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway in strengthening interregional connectivity and diversifying trade routes between Europe and Asia."
Additionally, the OTS member states welcomed the agreement reached on August 8, 2025, in Washington between Azerbaijan and Armenia regarding the reopening of regional communications. The declaration noted that this agreement “will ensure uninterrupted connectivity between the main territory of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, unlocking the transit potential of the region and fostering peace, stability, and prosperity.”
The OTS member states have announced plans to jointly develop and launch a satellite in 2026.
The declaration expresses full support for the outcomes of the first meeting of member states on space cooperation, held in Istanbul on July 23, 2025.
It highlights the goal of accelerating the development and launch of the 12U TDT-SAT Küp satellite, which will be produced under the OTS flag as a major technological milestone achieved through the combined expertise and capabilities of the Turkic states.
The OTS member states are set to sign a landmark Treaty on Strategic Partnership, Eternal Friendship, and Brotherhood.
The declaration underscores the importance of this treaty in reinforcing the political and institutional foundation of the OTS. Member states have called for the accelerated negotiation and finalization of the agreement, which aims to solidify unity, strengthen cooperation frameworks, and advance joint initiatives across the Turkic world.
