Today, the 15th meeting of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) was held in the capital under the chairmanship of National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan, member of the Council of Elders of the OTS Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.
As known, since 2021 our country has the status of an observer in OTS. The organization of the regular meeting of the Council of Elders, which is an advisory body of the Organization of Turkic States, in Ashgabat, testifies to an active position of Turkmenistan in issues of development of multiplane constructive cooperation in the OTS format. Turkmen people share commonalities, which have been developed by centuries of historical roots, cultural and spiritual traditions, which find their new view in the present period with peoples of countries-participants of the given Organization.
Before the beginning of the meeting, Hero-Arkadag warmly welcomed heads of delegations of friendly states.
After the ceremony of official joint photographing the 15th meeting of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States was held.
In the beginning of the meeting, National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov greeted Chairman of the Council of Elders of OTS, Secretary General of the Organization and all gathered with the words “Welcome to independent neutral Turkmenistan in the year “The fount of wisdom of Magtymguly Fragi”!
Hero-Arkadag also congratulated participants of the meeting on the upcoming sacred Oraza month.
- I pray Almighty sound health, well-being for you and successes in your important work, - Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said.
Taking an opportunity, the National Leader of the Turkmen people thanked the gathered for their support to the proposal of Turkmenistan to hold the next 15th meeting of the Council of Elders of the Organization of the Turkic states in Ashgabat and for their visit to our country and participation in the present meeting.
As known, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov continued his speech, at previous meetings of the Council of Elders a number of important proposals on development and strengthening of versatile cooperation within the OTS, which bore a guiding and recommendatory character, were made at meetings of heads of states of the Organization,.
Having expressed confidence that today’s meeting will serve further increase of efficiency of relations between Turkic states in political-diplomatic, trade and economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres, the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted that it will be useful to discuss the issues connected with enrichment of existing partnership on a wide spectrum, and to express opinions and views in this respect.
Announcing the 15th meeting of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States open, Hero-Arkadag first gave the floor to Chairman of the Council of Elders of OTS Binali Yildirim.
Having warmly greeted National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States and all the gathered, the head of the advisory body OTS underlined that he is very glad to be in Ashgabat these days. At that, he marked that the meeting of the Council of Elders of the Organization is held for the first time in the state, which bears the status of OTS observer.
It was underlined that close cooperation between member countries and OTS observers brings a powerful contribution to activity of the Organization of Turkic states. In this connection, he expressed his sincere gratitude to Hero-Arkadag for the invitation and warm hospitality.
As was pointed out, work of the Council of Elders was highly appreciated at the top-level that it found reflexion in the Astana Declaration adopted following the results of the 10th Summit of OTS, which took place in the capital of Kazakhstan in November, 2023. It visually testifies to transformation of the Council into an actively operating structure.
It was underlined that presence of huge general potential, brotherly solidarity and support, effective multiplane cooperation allow our countries to reach positive results in sustainable development. The well-being and stability in Turkic states substantially promote well-being and stability in the region. For these purposes it is necessary to make active joint efforts for further promotion of mutually advantageous partnership.
In this connection, the Chairman of the Council of Elders of OTS emphasised a number of aspects important for successful advancement of interstate cooperation. Here, the priority attention is given to interaction in spheres of economy and trade, transport, energy, investments and other perspective areas. The issue of regular participation of members of the Council of Elders in OTS Summits was also mentioned.
At the end of his speech, the guest once again expressed gratitude to Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for high organizational level of the meeting and accorded hearty welcome.
Having thanked the Chairman of the Council of Elders of OTs for kind words and deeply substantial speech, the National Leader of the Turkmen people gave the floor to Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States Kubanychbek Omuraliev.
Having expressed to Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov his sincere gratitude for a high level of hospitality rendered on the Turkmen land, OTS Secretary General, addressing participants of the meeting, wished all the best in the Oraza month.
In his speech, Mr. Kubanychbek Omuraliev noted importance of results of OTS Summit that took place in Astana in November 2023 for further development of cooperation of Turkic states. At that, the strengthening of interaction and solidarity of brotherly countries that is of great importance during the modern period when the region and the world face new challenges was stated.
It was underlined that concrete steps were realised and due measures for intensification of cooperation in economic, commercial and investment spheres, transport-communication and industrial sectors are taken to increase volumes of mutual goods turnover and maintenance of food safety.
The humanitarian area, where joint forums, including scientific conferences act as a significant aspect, makes up an integral component of interstate interaction.
Among priority vectors of partnership between Turkic countries – energy sphere. In this connection, topicality and demand of the proposal made by National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the OTS Summit in Astana on expediency of preparation of the Road map on development of cooperation in this sphere by countries-participants of the Organization was marked.
OTS Secretary General also pointed out that celebrations on the occasion of the 300th birthday anniversary of the great Turkmen poet and thinker Magtymguly Fragi and declaration of Anau city as cultural capital of the Turkic world in the current year will take place. Having congratulated Turkmenistan on these significant events, Mr. Kubanychbek Omuraliev confirmed readiness to give from the side of OTS an al-round support to hold festive events.
Having concluded his speech, the Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States thanked members of the Council of Elders for the recommendations and noted that the OTS Secretariat will send them to corresponding bodies of countries-participants.
Having thanked the Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States for his detailed, substantive speech, Hero-Arkadag gave the floor to the member of the Council of Elders of OTS from the Republic of Kazakhstan Ikram Adyrbekov.
Having expressed to National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov deep gratitude for the hospitality and a high organizational level of the meeting, the guest marked that the structure of the Kazakhstan delegation included famous and honoured aksakals who have brought and bring a powerful contribution to formation and development of independent Kazakhstan. In this connection, he expressed confidence that the idea stated by Hero-Arkadag of mutual visits of elders will become a noble tradition. It was also noted that the aksakals who are a part of the delegation, which arrived in Ashgabat, freely command the Turkmen language.
Having underlined a trustful character of the exchange of opinions concerning cooperation in the OTS format, including in humanitarian and ecological spheres, which took place yesterday, Ikram Adyrbekov separately developed upon the theme of Turkmen-Kazakhstan relations. As was marked, in Kazakhstan Hero-Arkadag is known as generally recognized leader of Turkmen people, one of the outstanding statesmen of the Turkic world. The Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan brings a huge contribution to development of brotherly interstate relations.
It was underlined that today the Turkmen-Kazakhstan dialogue has obtained a character of strategic partnership where a defining role is played by top level visits and contacts. Our countries constantly render each other mutual support, including on the international scene. Presence of solid potential for cooperation in trade and economic, transport-transit spheres and in the agro-industrial complex was also stated. A great significance is attached to the strengthening of traditional interaction in the cultural-humanitarian area. In particular, it was pointed out that one of the central streets of Astana is named after great Turkmen poet Magtymguly, whose 300th birthday anniversary is widely celebrated in the current year.
At the end of his speech, Ikram Adyrbekov expressed confidence that good-neighbourhood interstate cooperation will be further extended and grow stronger steadily.
Having thanked the representative of Kazakhstan for his substantive speech, Hero-Arkadag gave the next floor to the member of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States from the Kirghiz Republic Metedkan Sherimkulov.
Having expressed his warm gratitude to National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for the initiative to hold the present meeting of the Council of elders of the OTS in Ashgabat, which is by right recognised as one of the most beautiful cities of the world and for its high organizational level, he also congratulated all on the significant date - the 300th birthday anniversary of outstanding Turkmen poet Magtymguly Fragi, whose creativity is highly appreciated by people of Turkic states.
Having underlined a friendly, good-neighbourhood character of Turkmen-Kirghiz relations of centuries-old history, Metedkan Sherimkulov expressed to Hero-Arkadag his deep gratitude for a weighty contribution to the strengthening of the traditional interstate dialogue, which is dynamically developed in all areas. Regular mutual visits and the summits, important agreements and signed documents reached on their results can attest to this fact clearly.
He also expressed confidence that the 15th meeting of the Council of Elders of the OTS in Ashgabat will serve consolidation of bonds of friendship between Turkic states and people and further expansion of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in its priority areas: political-diplomatic, trade and economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres.
Taking an opportunity, Metedkan Sherimkulov wished Hero-Arkadag, Honourable Elder Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov great successes in their large-scale noble activity.
Having thanked the representative of Kyrgyzstan for his detailed speech, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty gave the floor to member of the Council of Elders of the OTS from the Republic of Uzbekistan Sodikjon Turdiyev.
Having greeted Hero-Arkadag, Chairman of the Council of Elders of OTS, Secretary General of the Organization and participants of the meeting, the representative of Uzbekistan congratulated all on the upcoming blessed Oraza month as well as 300th birthday anniversary of the great poet and thinker of the East Magtymguly Fragi marked in the current year.
The guest underlined that interstate relations, based upon commonality of historical and cultural roots, successfully develop in all areas. Visible symbols of indestructibility of bonds of friendship and good neighbourhood, connecting two fraternal people, is wonderful parks "Ashgabat" and "Tashkent", located in capitals of both countries.
As to activity of the Organization of Turkic States, then, as was marked, first of all, it advances ideas of maintenance of peace in the region, development of trade and economic cooperation and economic integration. In the centre of attention of OTS – important issues, concerning ecology, humanitarian sphere, including science, education and culture, harmonious education of the younger generation as well as such areas as energy, transport, investments, maintenance of food safety.
So, at the OTS Summit, which took place in the past year in Astana, a number of proposals and the initiatives aimed at further promotion of multilateral and long-term relations within the Organization were sounded. In the given context, the opinion that the main task of elders consists in effective support of these initiatives covering priority vectors of cooperation, was expressed.
In his speech, the member of the Council of Elders of OTS from the Republic of Uzbekistan also touched upon the topic of education and training of the younger generation and pointed out importance of stimulation and encouragement of the talented youth aspiring to innovations. At the same time, significance of preservation and wide popularisation of rich cultural heritage of Turkic people, including folklore where wise admonishments of ancestors are concentrated and immortal high spiritually-moral values are reflected, were underlined.
Having thanked the representative of Uzbekistan for his substantive speech, Hero-Arkadag gave the floor to the next speaker, member of the Council of Elders from Hungary Attila Tilki.
The guest expressed to National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov his sincere gratitude for the invitation to visit Ashgabat and to take part in the present meeting.
As was marked, economic cooperation with Turkic states is positively reflected in the Hungarian economy. Interaction of Hungary and OTS is an example of constructive partnership based on principles of equality and mutual respect.
It was underlined that the OTS countries have a solid potential for cooperation in various spheres. Relations in the education sphere was also mentioned as one of the important areas. It was noted that the youth of OTS member states displays a great interest in it. In the given context, it was underlined that on the basis of corresponding bilateral documents Turkmen-Hungarian cooperation in the education sphere becomes stronger. There are possibilities for mutual relations in other actual areas, including in the field of water management as well.
Having noted a big prospect of cooperation within the OTS, Attila Tilki underlined that in the light of modern realities significance of reliable, mutually respectful partnership increases.
Having thanked the representative of Hungary for his substantive speech, National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed all his gratitude for the exchange of opinions and concrete constructive proposals.
Then, Hero-Arkadag addressed the gathered with speech and outlined opinions and proposals of Turkmenistan as the country hosting the 15th meeting of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States.
Having again expressed all his gratitude for accepting the invitation to participate in today's meeting, the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan underlined that here, we see honoured, wise and worthy representatives of Turkic people. Taking an opportunity, Hero-Arkadag once again warmly congratulated the gathered with the start of sacred Oraza month.
As the National Leader of the Turkmen people pointed out further, at the last meeting of the Council of Elders a number of important proposals, including the one to hold the next 15th meeting of the Council of Elders in Ashgabat in 2024, which was welcomed with great enthusiasm and high responsibility, sounded.
Speaking of it, Hero-Arkadag underlined a great importance of the Council of Elders, which helps to unite Turkic people round the general rich historical heritage, traditions and customs, moral principles generated throughout centuries.
The Council of Elders is a wise assistant and adviser in activity of the Organization of Turkic States and their heads. Our life experience and knowledge promotes adoption of well-thought, far-sighted decisions at state level and to make proper estimation of various issues of internal and international life. The Council renders invaluable service in education of the youth and choice of right way for it.
- Our work - one of the indestructible pillars of unity, brotherhood and mutual support of Turkic people that is especially important at the present time, - the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty added and expressed hope that the Council of Elders will become an important part of OTS activity in public, social-humanitarian and cultural areas and will promote fulfilment of decisions and agreements reached at state level.
Facilitating the international humanitarian relations of the Organization, the Council should participate in national diplomacy actively. In this connection, there are big problems that we face and there are many opportunities for teamwork, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said, having confirmed an invariable goal of Turkmenistan for close cooperation within this structure. We will actively participate in planning and organisation of actions to promote further increase of authority and importance of the Council of Elders, the National Leader of the Turkmen people said.
Having again pointed out that the unity and solidarity of Turkic states are very important in present uneasy international conditions, the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty underlined that the strengthening of brotherly relations between our people has a special and paramount significance. These concepts should underlie all joint projects and initiatives.
In the given context, the main role of general strategy of OTS, including on priority international issues was marked. Close and effective cooperation of Turkic states is a significant condition of their economic growth, well-being and competitiveness. Adjusting our relations on the basis of requirements of today, one should be relied upon a general base of development, the National Leader of the Turkmen people underlined.
Guided by centuries-old positive experience, we support historical continuity that yields the results. Under the present geopolitical and economic conditions, it is necessary to restore functions and role of our people and states, Hero-Arkadag noted.
Realising it, Turkmenistan is guided by necessity to make cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States consecutive and long-term, giving particular attention to perspective areas.
One of them – energy. Our country considers necessary to create effective, reliable, self-sufficient model of partnership in the general unstable conditions of the world energy markets. It will meet a growing energy demand of our states.
Turkmenistan, which is one of the largest producers of energy resources, is ready to deliver them to the brotherly countries, to increase volumes of it deliver, the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted. At present, our country exports electric power to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. Besides, there are plans on realisation of large-scale projects to export Turkmen natural gas in the direction of the East with assistance of these states.
- We also have good possibilities for export of Turkmen natural gas and electric power to Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Turkey. We are ready to assist further brotherly countries in maintenance of energy security, - Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov underlined further.
In future, it will be possible to create a constantly operating complex system of transmission of energy. In this case, Turkic states can take advantage to the full of geographical affinity, resource potential and delivery means.
Along with it, in cooperation of our countries a priority place is given to the transport sphere. In the given aspect, Hero-Arkadag marked expediency to start formation of uniform transport strategy. Consolidation of efforts will allow reach agreements with international partners and large investors in the given sphere.
In this context, the National Leader of the Turkmen people underlined significance of the strategy of Turkmenistan on restoration of the Great Silk road. In the given direction, a dominant role belongs to Turkic states.
“The Turkic belt” made a significance positive impact on the progress humanity many centuries back. It geographically connected development of cultures of the East and West, becoming a place of wide exchange of knowledge and achievements in various areas. These processes proceeding hundreds of years, touched tens of peoples and states, the historical fate of which was in many respects defined by neighbourhood with the Turkic world.
Having expressed opinion on reconsideration and adaptation to this great historical mission of the Turkic people, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed necessity of creation of new structure of cooperation on the Eurasian space. Having defined its basic areas in the policy, economy, trade, culture and world outlook, it is necessary to give to the given work a steady and consecutive character.
As the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan noted further, priority aspect of teamwork in the Council is humanism. Our people differ with commonality of language, culture and historical roots. We will never refuse from our roots, which in blood and genes of our people, from fidelity to family bonds, respect for parents and seniors. We will not change adherence to principles of honouring traditions and customs, patriotism, duty, Hero-Arkadag underlined.
Today, along with the importance of strengthening of friendship and mutual understanding between the Turkic people, it is also important to pass our experience, a thousand-year spiritual heritage on to younger generations. It is necessary to cultivate love for the past in the youth and to train it for achievement of successes for humanity and their native land. I see in it one of the main functions of work of the Council, its role to support state efforts in the given field, the National Leader of the Turkmen people said.
As known, in the current year, Turkmenistan will mark the 300th birthday anniversary of our great thinker and poet Magtymguly Fragi both in the county and abroad. This date will be also widely marked in the Turkic states and it is certainly, natural. Indeed, Magtymguly is a pride of not only Turkmen people. It is a pride of all Turkic world, a sample of nobleness, courage, honesty, openness and bravery, inherent in our people. Eulogising these qualities, Magtymguly dreamt of greatness and prosperity of our people. Today, we together follow the way that he had defined, Hero-Arkadag underlined.
Addressing the gathered, the National Leader of the Turkmen people pointed out that during the meeting, exchange of opinions on perfection of activity of the Council of Elders, increase of overall activity of the Organization of Turkic States and intensification of cooperation between our brotherly countries took place. A number of innovative views and concrete initiatives were mentioned.
In particular, considering difficult tendencies of development of modern society, an important part of international interaction is propagation of high morals, humanism, justice, decency and respect, as well as education of the worthy younger generation among the Turkic people.
Today, we have gathered here to discuss problems, which will allow the brotherly Turkic people to follow the way of prosperity and well-being. At that, the Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty expressed firm confidence that recommendations and corresponding decisions adopted during the present meeting, will by all means serve further rapprochement of our people and development of a vector of growth of the Organization of Turkic States.
Taking an opportunity, Hero-Arkadag wished all sound health, well-being and successes in their noble work.
By this, National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov announced the 15th meeting of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States closed.
Following the results of the meeting, the corresponding Communique was adopted.
Thus, the 15th meeting of the Council of Elders of OTS, which took place in Ashgabat at the initiative of the Turkmen party, became an effective contribution to the further strengthening and development of traditionally friendly interstate relations and fruitful multilateral cooperation that meets goals of general well-being and progress.
