Organization of Turkic States (OTS): Members, Objectives
The Organization of Turkic States (OTS), previously known as the Turkic Council or the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States, is an international organization founded in 2009. It aims to promote comprehensive cooperation among Turkic-speaking states. It was established as a result of the Nakhchivan Agreement signed on October 3, 2009, by the founding member countries Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkey.
Objectives
The primary objectives of the OTS are to foster strong and multifaceted relations among the member states. It focuses on issues such as economic cooperation, cultural exchange, education, transportation, tourism, and environmental protection. The organization also seeks to enhance mutual peace and security and strengthen the international profile of Turkic-speaking nations collectively.
Members
The full members of the Organization of Turkic States include:
- Azerbaijan
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Turkey
- Uzbekistan (joined in 2019)
- Turkmenistan, Northern Cyprus & Hungary holds observer status in the organization.
Reports/Indices
The OTS does not produce specific reports or indices as some other international organizations do; however, it collaborates on regional projects and initiatives that are often reflected in various regional analyses and reports.
Instruments
The foundational instruments of the OTS include:
- The Nakhchivan Agreement (2009): Establishing the Turkic Council.
- Bishkek Declaration (2021): Marking the expansion and transformation into the Organization of Turkic States.
- Turkic World Vision 2040 (2021): Outlining the long-term vision for the organization.
Structure
The main structural components of the OTS are:
- The Council of Heads of State: The supreme decision-making body that meets annually.
- The Council of Foreign Ministers: Responsible for coordinating and implementing policies and decisions.
- The Council of Elders: Advisory body providing guidance on cultural and spiritual matters.
- The Secretariat: Led by the Secretary-General, it is responsible for the daily operations and administration of the OTS.
Subsidiary Organs
The OTS includes several subsidiary organs that address specific areas of cooperation:
- International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY)
- Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic-Speaking Countries (TURKPA)
- Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation
- Turkic Business Council
- Turkic Academy
Committees
Committees within the OTS focus on various strategic areas of collaboration, including:
- Economic Committee: For promoting trade and investment among member states.
- Cultural Committee: Focused on preserving and promoting Turkic culture and heritage.
- Educational Committee: To enhance educational exchanges and standards across the member states.
- Environmental Committee: To address environmental issues and promote sustainable practices.
The Organization of Turkic States serves as a platform for cooperation among Turkic-speaking nations, reflecting their shared cultural and historical heritage while promoting their common interests on the global stage.
