OTS summit in Azerbaijan to launch new “OTS+” cooperation format

The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) summit, held in Azerbaijan on October 6–7, is set to approve a new cooperation mechanism known as OTS Plus (OTS+), Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev said in an interview with Kazinform.

According to Omuraliev, the new format will expand engagement with countries outside the organization. “The OTS+ framework will allow cooperation with third countries. Let me stress — this is not a military or closed bloc, as some claim. That is not true,” he said.

He recalled that only countries where Turkic languages have official status can become full members, but economic, transport and infrastructure cooperation under OTS+ will be open to other partners.

Omuraliev added that while security remains an important topic, the main focus of the summit will be on economic integration, logistics and connectivity among member states.