Ilham Aliyev and Jeyhun Bayramov highlighted Azerbaijan’s leadership within the Organization of Turkic States, focusing on strengthened Turkic cooperation, digital transformation and AI development, transport corridors including the Middle Corridor and Zangezur Corridor (TRIPP), and expanded regional integration through energy, infrastructure, and cultural initiatives.

On May 15, Ilham Aliyev, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, arrived in the Republic of Kazakhstan on a working visit at the invitation of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President of Kazakhstan, to participate in the informal Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), held in Turkistan. Aliyev met with Tokayev upon arrival, and the heads of state, along with other participants, posed for a group photograph at the summit venue. 

The President of Azerbaijan subsequently addressed the informal summit of OTS leaders, beginning by expressing gratitude to the President of Kazakhstan for the hospitality and noting the symbolic importance of Turkistan, which he described as a city with "ancient and rich historical and cultural heritage." He stated that following the liberation of Shusha, Azerbaijan’s cultural capital, its first sister city became Turkistan, emphasizing what he described as the deep brotherly ties between the two nations. Aliyev also pointed to intensive high-level exchanges, noting that he had visited Kazakhstan eight times over the past five years, while Tokayev had visited Azerbaijan six times. He added that the Joint Declaration signed four years ago had elevated bilateral relations to the level of an alliance.

Aliyev emphasized that the informal summit initiative, first held in Shusha in 2024, is becoming a tradition and stated that the international standing of the Organization of Turkic States is strengthening. He noted that Azerbaijan, having assumed the chairmanship at the Gabala Summit in October last year, is working to deepen cooperation within the organization. He also announced upcoming initiatives, including a high-level urban dialogue of the OTS within the framework of the 13th UN World Urban Forum in Baku, as well as the Turkic World Week in June dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the First Turcology Congress, which he described as significant for the cultural unity of Turkic peoples.

Addressing digital transformation and artificial intelligence, Aliyev stated that the Turkic states should play a leading role in the emerging technological era. He emphasized Azerbaijan’s efforts to strengthen digital sovereignty and transition to an innovation-based economy, noting the establishment of the Digital Development Council, the National Artificial Intelligence Center, and the Artificial Intelligence Academy. He also stated that Azerbaijan had adopted an Artificial Intelligence Strategy aimed at developing the AI sector, training qualified specialists, and expanding the use of AI in public administration. Aliyev further noted that the country has achieved 100% fixed broadband internet coverage and is working toward providing all public services through an integrated digital platform, while also stressing the importance of responsible AI use to prevent unlawful applications.

The President highlighted ongoing cooperation with Turkic states in digital development and referenced the Digital Silk Road project linking Europe and Asia. He stated that the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan is expected to become operational in the coming months. Turning to transport connectivity, Aliyev stressed the growing importance of the Middle Corridor in the current geopolitical context, and noted that the Zangezur Corridor, which is moving toward realization, will become a key segment of this route. He also pointed to simplified customs procedures along the Middle Corridor, including the "e-Permit" system developed within the Organization of Turkic States for electronic transport permits.

Aliyev concluded his remarks by stating that the Turkic world should develop into one of the influential geopolitical centers of the 21st century, and reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to strengthening the Organization of Turkic States.

At the conclusion of the summit, the heads of state signed the Turkistan Declaration of the Informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States and adopted a decision on the appointment of the Deputy Secretary-General of the organization. The leaders also participated in a virtual groundbreaking ceremony for the Turkic Civilization Center, which is intended to preserve and promote the historical, cultural, and spiritual heritage of the Turkic peoples, presenting Turkic civilization as a significant global cultural and historical tradition.

Jeyhun Bayramov's Speech

On May 15, Jeyhun Bayramov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, attended and delivered a speech at the informal meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) on "Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development," held in Turkestan, Kazakhstan.

Bayramov stated that the regional and international security environment remains highly sensitive, emphasizing that growing geopolitical uncertainty, ongoing conflicts, hybrid threats, and challenges related to energy and food security require stronger solidarity and coordination among Turkic states. He stressed the importance of deepening cooperation in key strategic areas such as security, transport, energy sustainability, and cybersecurity, while highlighting the strategic significance of the Central Corridor and East-West connectivity routes linking Asia and Europe through the Turkic world.

The foreign minister noted that artificial intelligence and digital transformation are rapidly reshaping economies and public sectors, including governance, education, healthcare, and security. At the same time, he emphasized the need to address emerging risks such as cybersecurity threats, data protection issues, disinformation, and technological inequality. Bayramov stated that Azerbaijan places special importance on digital transformation and innovation-driven development, referring to the "Action Plan for Accelerating Digital Development in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026–2028" as a key initiative in this regard.

He further highlighted Azerbaijan’s contribution to strengthening digital connectivity between Europe and Asia through the "Digital Silk Road" framework, with particular attention to the strategic importance of the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable project. Bayramov also stated that digital transformation represents a core pillar of long-term cooperation among Turkic states, underlining the need to enhance digital infrastructure, expand joint research and innovation in artificial intelligence and advanced technologies, and increase investment in human capital and digital skills.

The minister added that, within the framework of Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the Organization of Turkic States, the country has initiated work on establishing a legal framework for cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence, while also emphasizing the importance of strengthening the institutional and digital capacity of the organization’s secretariat. He also provided information on reconstruction efforts in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories based on "smart city" and "smart village" concepts, noting that hosting the 13th World Urban Forum in Baku in 2026 reflects international recognition of Azerbaijan’s work in innovative and sustainable urban development.

Bayramov concluded by expressing confidence that the discussions at the meeting would contribute to further strengthening solidarity, coordination, and partnership among Turkic states.