Why is this important
Mirziyoyev’s ideas can strengthen cultural and economic integration between Turkic-speaking states — from joint educational programs to coordination of industrial development. If implemented, they are capable of transforming the OTS into a more prominent regional bloc.
What happened
The International University of Turkic States (basic campus — in Uzbekistan) has been proposed.
A number of economic initiatives have been put forward:
- Permanent Council for Economic Partnership with an office in Tashkent
- Industrial Alliance of Turkic Countries
- “Turkic Green Corridors” System and “Green Transformation” Consortium
- Strengthening infrastructure ties: Middle Corridor, China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan projects, Trans-Afghan corridor
At Mirziyoyev’s suggestion, hold the first meeting of the foreign ministers and heads of the OTS special services in Samarkand on the topic of regional security. A Strategic Partnership Agreement and the Development Strategy of the Turkic States until 2030 were also initiated.
What they say
The media emphasizes that Mirziyoyev’s proposals demonstrate Uzbekistan’s desire to strengthen its leadership in the Turkic space. Economic initiatives are seen as an attempt to link the TDG countries in the value chain and green industry.
Context
The Organization of Turkic States (OTS), formed as a union of Turkic-speaking countries, aims to develop cooperation in politics, economics, and culture. The existing “Turkic Academy” is already coordinating research on the language, history, and culture of the Turkic world — Mirziyoyev’s proposal could expand its functions and give it a more applied character. If these plans become reality, the OTS can transform from a cultural-interstate format into an instrument of strategic and economic influence in the region.
