Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighted the growing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East during his address at the Summit of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States in Bishkek on November 6.
President Mirziyoyev emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation among Turkic nations in the face of global challenges. President Mirziyoyev extended his gratitude to Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov for hosting the event and highlighted the remarkable development and stability witnessed in Kyrgyzstan.
President Mirziyoyev acknowledged the escalating geopolitical tensions and conflicts that have impacted global security, emphasizing their ripple effects on the Turkic nations’ economic and social progress. He stressed that the devastating attacks against civilians, especially the innocent deaths of children, the elderly, and women, cannot be justified.
“Rivalry and mistrust among major powers are intensifying,” Mirziyoyev said, citing the humanitarian crises in the Middle East as particularly concerning.
The president strongly condemned actions that hinder the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, stressing the importance of supporting humanitarian efforts in the region.
He condemned violence against civilians, especially in Gaza and Lebanon, and advocated for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders.
“The only solution to this long-standing conflict is the establishment of an independent State of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders, in accordance with international regulations and resolutions,” Mirziyoyev voiced.
He urged for the international community to work toward a resolution in accordance with established international regulations and resolutions, expressing hope that a political solution would be reached at the upcoming Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh.
Mirziyoyev also underlined Afghanistan’s importance to regional security, calling for a structured dialogue to address Afghanistan’s socio-economic issues and integrate it into the broader regional economic landscape. He proposed a mechanism for regular dialogues to foster peace and development initiatives in Afghanistan.
The summit marked the adoption of the Turkic World Charter, a document symbolizing the deepening ties between Turkic nations. Mirziyoyev expressed optimism that this charter would lay a foundation for closer collaboration in multiple areas. To enhance political unity, he proposed the Treaty on Strategic Partnership, Eternal Friendship, and Fraternity of Turkic States.
Mirziyoyev outlined priorities for future collaboration, starting with expanding the legal frameworks and removing trade barriers to boost mutual trade.
“The share of our mutual trade in our countries’ foreign trade remains low,” he noted, urging action to reduce dependence on imports from third countries.
In light of the current economic environment, Mirziyoyev stressed the need for innovative financial mechanisms within the organization, proposing the creation of the Turkic Development Bank and a Turkic Investment Fund. He also suggested holding a Turkic Investment Forum in Uzbekistan to attract international financing for projects of regional importance.
Transportation and logistics were identified as another priority, with Mirziyoyev advocating for the optimization of transit tariffs along the Middle Corridor and a multilateral agreement on electronic documentation in transportation. He proposed an International Logistics Conference to facilitate dialogue on these initiatives.
“Optimization of transit tariffs along the Middle Corridor, simplification of border crossing, creation of modern logistics systems, and setting up joint operators fully meet our common interests. We invite you to sign a multilateral Agreement on electronic document workflow and their mutual recognition in transport within our Organization,” the head of the state noted.
Additionally, Mirziyoyev urged member states to adopt a Digital Turkic World concept to promote IT development, digital infrastructure, and data centers across Turkic countries. He also highlighted environmental issues related to climate change, proposing the establishment of a Turkic Ecological Council to address pressing ecological concerns collaboratively.
Recognizing the importance of cultural unity, Mirziyoyev proposed a multi-volume Collection of Folklore of Turkic Peoples in all member languages and the establishment of foundational research on Turkic history. He recommended the introduction of Turkic studies in school curricula and expressed Uzbekistan’s interest in becoming a full member of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation.
President Mirziyoyev concluded his address by congratulating Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who received the “Supreme Order of the Turkic World.” He emphasized that the outcomes of the summit would help Turkic states fortify their position globally, allowing them to collectively face emerging threats and foster closer economic and cultural ties.
