Turkistan: Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan, has proposed a wide-ranging set of digital and strategic cooperation initiatives for the Turkic world during the informal summit of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) held in Turkistan, Kazakhstan. The summit was centred on the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development.”
Highlighting growing geopolitical tensions around the world, the Uzbek president stressed the need for stronger dialogue and coordinated positions among member states within the OTS framework. He described the integration of the Turkic world as a long-term strategic priority directly linked to the future of their peoples.
The summit was attended by Ilham Aliyev, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Sadyr Japarov, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev.
During his address, Mirziyoyev proposed the establishment of an OTS Strategic Cooperation Network for Artificial Intelligence to promote economic growth, cloud and quantum computing technologies, and the creation of a unified digital ecosystem. As part of this effort, Uzbekistan suggested developing a “Digital Turkic Corridor” connecting regional data centres through high-speed communication channels.
The president also called for greater cooperation in science, education and youth development by linking institutions such as the Centre for Islamic Civilization, TURKSOY and the Turkic Academy through a shared Big Data platform for historical and cultural resources.
Emphasising tolerance and enlightenment, he advocated the promotion and study of the teachings of Khoja Ahmad Yassaviy. To encourage innovation, Mirziyoyev invited member states to participate in a joint venture capital fund launched by Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to support youth startups, scientific research and AI-based projects.
On regional connectivity, Uzbekistan proposed integrating the Middle Corridor transport route with the under-construction China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway. The initiative also included the creation of a simplified customs corridor aimed at easing border-crossing and transit procedures across the region.
Addressing environmental concerns, the Uzbek president proposed an OTS satellite-based climate monitoring system to track soil degradation, glacier melt and drought risks, while using artificial intelligence for transboundary water management. He also suggested declaring 2027 as the “OTS Year of Nature Protection.”
Mirziyoyev further stressed the importance of stronger cooperation in law enforcement and cybersecurity to counter terrorism, extremism and radical ideologies. He proposed the establishment of a Turkic Alliance for Cybersecurity and Digital Infrastructure Protection and called for strict ethical standards in AI development.
“If we can unite the intellectual power and creative energy of our nations in this new era, the Turkic world will undoubtedly become a hub for progressive solutions and sustainable growth,” he said.
The summit concluded with the adoption of the Turkistan Declaration. Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that the agreement would strengthen brotherhood among OTS member states and advance the objectives of the “Turkic World Vision 2040.”
