The President took part in the 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States

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Gabala, Azerbaijan

In his speech, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed his gratitude to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for the warm hospitality, highlighting the importance and relevance of the summit's agenda.

- We consistently emphasize that the Turkic people share common roots and a centuries-old history that unites our nations. All these achievements embody the golden thread of our blessed unity and everlasting solidarity. Recently, our nations marked the Day of Cooperation of Turkic Peoples. This is a meaningful occasion that further strengthens our bonds of brotherhood. Today, the Organization of Turkic States has evolved into a distinguished and influential platform that unites our friendly nations, - said the President.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev thanked President Sadyr Japarov for Kyrgyzstan's successful chairmanship of the Organization of Turkic States and expressed confidence that the Organization's status will continue to strengthen under the leadership of Azerbaijan headed by President Ilham Aliyev.

The President of Kazakhstan noted that the global security system is going through a difficult period. In his view, conflicts, challenges, and geopolitical contradictions have become a negative trend posing a threat to all nations.

- In these turbulent times, I would like to particularly commend the singing of the Peace Declaration between Azerbaijan and Armenia - a historic step towards the resolution of a conflict that has remained unsettled for more than three decades. This landmark agreement paves the way for lasting stability and economic growth. In light of the current complex geopolitical landscape, unity among the Turkic states is vital to safeguard and promote our shared interests. Today, the global community sees us as strong, resilient, and united nations capable of addressing significant challenges. Several countries have expressed a growing interest in the activities of our Organization. In this regard, Kazakhstan supports the initiative to establish the "Organization of Turkic States+" format, aimed at expanding the scope of cooperation. This initiative will undoubtedly open the way to enhancing the international standing of our Organization, - stated Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The President highlighted the unique role and potential of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia in promoting stability, security, and peace across the Turkic region.

- We express our sincere appreciation to the Republic of Azerbaijan as well as to all Turkic states for supporting the process of transformation of the Conference into a full-fledged international organization. The Turkic nations share common goals in promoting security and addressing challenges, including combatting terrorism, and therefore our cooperation in this field has been yielding tangible results. Our nations are working together to prevent and combat terrorism, organized crime, and drug trafficking. In this context, we all continue to support global initiatives aimed at maintaining global security. However, we should not limit our efforts to these areas alone, - noted the President.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev drew attention to the fact that many countries are facing cyberattacks - a new and borderless threat.

- I propose to establish a Cybersecurity Council within the framework of this Organization. This Council would serve as a platform to coordinate the actions of member states, and consolidate our efforts. Moreover, it would strengthen our digital security and technological connectivity. The outcomes of the conference held in Almaty this September reaffirmed the crucial importance of enhancing cooperation in the field of cybersecurity, - President Tokayev said.

The Head of State described economic cooperation as a fundamental pillar of stability and prosperity.

- We must pay special attention to the comprehensive implementation of the Turkic World Vision - 2040. Today's summit should enrich this strategy with concrete measures. Each member state of our Organization has its own unique advantages and achievements. Nevertheless, within the Organization, effective mechanisms have already been proposed to advance large-scale trade and economic projects. One such mechanism is the Turkic Investment Fund. We should fully utilize the opportunities of this financial institution. This year, our ministers of economy and trade will gather in Turkistan. On that occasion, it would be appropriate to prepare a List of projects to be financed by the Fund. Industrial cooperation plays a significant role in diversifying our economies. In this regard, we think that the Turkic Chamber of Commerce and Industry possesses great potential. Next year, Kazakhstan will assume the chairmanship of this Chamber. In this capacity, we will propose the adoption of an Industrial Cooperation Program focused on concrete projects, - emphasized Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The President considers one of the main priorities to be bringing cooperation in the transport and logistics sector to a qualitatively new level.

- Our countries are situated at the crossroads of East and West, North and South, in the very heart of Eurasia. Today, five international railway corridors pass through Kazakhstan. Nearly 85% of cargo transported between Asia and Europe transits through our territory. Recently, we launched the second line of the Dostyk - Moyynty railway. This step will contribute to the dynamic development of the Trans-Kazakhstan railway corridor. The new line will increase freight capacity fivefold. In addition, two other major railway projects are currently underway. These initiatives will undoubtedly provide strong momentum to the diversification of regional logistics. The Trans-Caspian International Transport Route has become a strategic part of Eurasia's transport network. Over the past five years, the volume of cargo transported along the Middle Corridor has grown sixfold. Recently, the transport ministers of the member states of the Organization met in Almaty. During this meeting, the parties reached a number of agreements on this route. In this context, we call on the Turkic states to actively participate in modernizing air hubs, railway stations, and seaports along the Middle Corridor. Currently, intensive work is underway on the digitalization of the transport and transit sector. In this regard, the use of Artificial Intelligence technologies will undoubtedly be effective. Therefore, we propose to discuss the establishment of a Digital Monitoring Centre within the Organization, engaging leading experts in the field, - stated the Head of State.

Touching upon the importance of digitalization and artificial intelligence, the President emphasized that Kazakhstan has set a strategic goal to become a fully digital state.

- To ensure the comprehensive development of artificial intelligence, we have launched programs to train qualified specialists in this field. As part of this initiative, more than 400 students have already received specialized training since the beginning of this year. We also plan to establish the first research university specializing in the training of artificial intelligence experts. Kazakhstan stands ready to allocate special grants for young people from Turkic countries who wish to study at this institution, - he stated.

The Head of State put forward a number of initiatives that can be implemented within the framework of the Organization

- Recently, the Alem.ai Artificial Intelligence Center was inaugurated in Astana. Building on this foundation, we propose the establishment of a Digital Innovations Center of the Organization of Turkic States. This Center will support startups and create new opportunities for developing joint projects. It will also facilitate the exchange of experience in the field of artificial intelligence and help attract venture capital. We should effectively utilize the vast potential of digitalization and artificial intelligence for the benefit of our peoples. At the same time, we must take proactive measures to address the risks and challenges posed by emerging technologies. Therefore, I propose dedicating next year's informal Summit of the Organization to the theme "Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development". In the lead-up to this event, we stand ready to host an international conference that will bring together leading experts and practitioners in the field, - said the President.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev believes that under the current circumstances, the development of the energy sector requires priority attention.

- It is the backbone of our economies and the foundation of our strategic partnership. We are already implementing joint infrastructure projects and working to ensure secure and efficient routes for energy transportation. The Green Energy Corridor among Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan stands as a vivid example of fruitful cooperation in this area. At the same time, we believe it is essential to pay particular attention to renewable energy sources, especially solar energy. In this regard, I propose establishing a Council for Energy Efficiency Excellence within the Organization of Turkic States. Nevertheless, the development and efficient utilization of oil and gas, uranium, coal and rare earth minerals continue to serve as a cornerstone of Kazakhstan's energy strategy, - noted President Tokayev.

According to the Head of State, one of the most pressing global issues is water scarcity, which may become the most acute challenge for Central Asia.

- Recognizing that river waters represent a shared good, it is essential to develop new approaches to their sustainable use. We could adopt a Joint Program focused on digital monitoring of irrigation systems, the wider use of drip irrigation technologies, and enhancing the efficiency of water reservoirs. As you are aware, the Caspian Sea has been steadily shrinking. We are all deeply concerned about it. The ancient Caspian has always held a special place for the Turkic peoples. It can truly be seen as a source of unity among our nations. In recent years, the decline in the sea level has had a negative impact on the region's ecology and economy. This is a challenge of global concern. I emphasized this in my address at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's Summit and at anniversary session of the UN General Assembly. As neighboring nations with shared past, we must devote particular attention to improving the situation of Caspian Sea. I call upon the Turkic states to unite efforts in this endeavour, to advance joint projects and support international initiatives. With the support of the United Nations, Kazakhstan will host a regional summit next April under the theme "Shared Vision for a Resilient Future". We look forward to the active participation of the Turkic states in the Summit at the highest level, - said President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The Head of State noted that cultural and humanitarian ties are also strengthening within the Organization of Turkic States

-This year Aktau city was declared the Cultural capital of the Turkic world. Several events took place within this endeavour. The Turkic cultural festival was organized along the Caspian Sea. This important gathering attracted more than 100 thousand visitors. Moreover, Almaty was named the Youth capital of the Turkic world. We should take active steps to raise our young generation in the spirit of brotherhood and close cultural bonds. In this regard, I suggest to hold Creative Economic Forum in Almaty. This step will provide an opportunity to bring our youth closer and enhance their knowledge. We have a Kazakh saying "Skilled person will swim high". Indeed, the values of art, education, science broaden our Civilization. Kazakhstan can also host a special event for the representatives of our intelligentsia. This event could be organized under the auspices of our Organization's Council of Elders. Moreover, we propose establishing the «Turkic Explorers Club», which can be based within the framework of the Turkic Academy, - noted the President.

In conclusion, President Tokayev once again called on the Turkic peoples to remain united and cohesive.

- The Azerbaijani poet and native of this historic land, Bakhtiyar Vahabzade, left us a message: "A Turk has no right to be hostile toward another Turk!" We honor the wise words of our ancestors and show the world that the Turkic peoples are brothers by blood, steadfast in their unity, - he emphasized.

In connection with Azerbaijan's assumption of the chairmanship of the Organization of Turkic States, the Head of State wished President Ilham Aliyev great success.

The meeting was also addressed by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Ersin Tatar, and Secretary-General of the Organization of Turkic States Kubanychbek Omuraliev.