On October 30, the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, as part of a working visit to the Republic of Türkiye, took part in the 13th Summit of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).

Addressing the gathering, the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his heartfelt gratitude to President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for the invitation to attend the 13th OTS Summit and for the warm hospitality extended to the Turkmen delegation. Taking this opportunity, Arkadagly Hero-Serdar conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to the heads of state from the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan the Hero-Arkadag.

«It is symbolic that today's meeting coincides with a national holiday — the Republic Day of Türkiye», the President Serdar Berdimuhamedov continued, warmly congratulating the President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the entire fraternal Turkish people on this significant date, wishing the Republic of Türkiye continued prosperity, well-being, and new successes.

Turkmenistan attaches special importance to strengthening the bonds of friendship with the countries of the Turkic world. In this context, the Organization of Turkic States is viewed as a vital structure aimed at strengthening mutual trust, developing fruitful relations, and expanding practical cooperation between fraternal nations. The effectiveness of the Organization's activities is primarily linked to the implementation of concrete initiatives and mutually beneficial projects designed for the benefit of our peoples.

Turkic states possess immense economic potential. To utilize it effectively, it is essential to continue developing cooperation in energy, transport and communications, industry, agriculture, construction, textiles, processing industries, and other sectors of the economy.

At the same time, the Head of Turkmenistan noted that it is advisable in the future to create favorable conditions to stimulate mutual investment, expand contacts between entrepreneurs, and execute joint industrial projects.

As noted, the transport and communication sector plays a strategic role in ensuring economic progress and expanding interregional ties. The advantageous geographical location of our countries in Central Asia opens up broad opportunities for developing transport corridors connecting the Caspian region, the South Caucasus, the Black Sea region, Türkiye, and Europe.

To make effective use of this potential, the President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated that the capacity of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route should be expanded, confirming Turkmenistan's readiness to provide the infrastructure of the Turkmenbashi International Seaport.

Additionally, the Head of State emphasized the need to modernize the transport system, improve conditions for international freight transport, systematically simplify customs procedures, and actively introduce digital technologies. Alongside this, he highlighted the expediency of joining forces to create favorable conditions for increasing the throughput capacity of transit corridors, coordinating logistics operations, and transporting cargo.

Environmental protection and the rational use of natural resources were listed among the most critical issues. Turkmenistan considers this task a key vector of state policy, the President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said, emphasizing that special importance is attached to ensuring ecological well-being, mitigating the negative impacts of climate change, and strengthening environmental security and the ecological foundations of sustainable development.

He further noted that the rational use of water resources, combating desertification, counteracting land degradation, and protecting ecosystems are urgent challenges. Developing effective solutions to these issues fully aligns with the national interests of our countries.

To this end, Turkmenistan proposed initiatives to establish UN-level regional centers in Ashgabat for climate change technology and for combating desertification, the President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated, expressing confidence that these centers will contribute to resolving environmental issues, expanding scientific and practical cooperation, and developing coordinated approaches at the regional level.

As the Head of State noted, the solid foundation of cultural and humanitarian cooperation is built upon the ancient historical and spiritual ties between our peoples. It embodies noble principles such as the development of cultural heritage, the value of knowledge, the sanctity of family, respect for elders, hospitality, and the pursuit of peace. To promote these values, expanding cooperation across all social spheres is essential.

It was also emphasized that strengthening ties between higher education institutions, research centers, creative groups, and youth organizations, as well as implementing joint educational programs and establishing academic exchanges, will open up new opportunities in this direction.

Pointing to the vast potential for tourism development, the President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized that Turkmenistan supports joint initiatives aimed at boosting tourism exchange and promoting the ancient monuments of our countries internationally. Historical sites, natural landmarks, and the national traditions of our states are of great significance for international tourism development.

Maintaining international peace and security, respecting universally recognized principles of international law, and developing multilateral cooperation are crucial tasks facing our states, the Head of Turkmenistan continued, declaring that special importance is attached to enhancing interaction between the Organization of Turkic States and the United Nations. As highlighted, this will make a tangible contribution toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, strengthening trust internationally, developing economic relations, and addressing humanitarian and environmental challenges.

International initiatives of Turkmenistan in these areas hold great significance. On Turkmenistan's proposal, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a special resolution declaring 2028 the Year of International Law.

«This decision aims to further elevate the importance of international law and ensure strict adherence to its norms and principles in international relations», the President Serdar Berdimuhamedov said, expressing confidence that the outcomes of the summit will provide a major impetus to defining new vectors of interstate cooperation and realizing joint undertakings.

Taking the opportunity, Arkadagly Hero-Serdar expressed sincere gratitude to the Presidents of the participating states for their constant attention to developing fraternal relations with Turkmenistan.

Also thanking Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States Kubanychbek Omuraliyev for his contribution to the productive work of the structure and the successful conduct of the Summit, the President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished the incoming Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States success in this responsible role, the summit participants robust health, happiness, and longevity, and the fraternal peoples well-being, prosperity, and further accomplishments.

The address by the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov was received with great attention.

Participants in the 13th Summit of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States discussed intensifying trade and economic cooperation, developing the digital economy, simplifying trade and customs procedures, expanding the capacity of transport and logistics corridors, and strengthening cultural and humanitarian collaboration. The leaders of the OTS member states also exchanged views on pressing regional and international issues of mutual interest.

State News Agency of Turkmenistan