Within the framework of the 12th summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) held in Gabala, a decision was signed regarding the establishment of the "OTS+" format. Thanks to the "OTS+" format, a number of other states are expected to join.
It is of interest which countries might be included in this structure.
Chairman of the Milli Majlis committee, Fazil Mustafa, stated in his remarks to Modern.az that it is possible for some countries to join the Organization of Turkic States.
According to him, although the OTS unites only Turkic states, it is not excluded that states essentially close to the Turkic world and pursuing the same strategic direction may also join this format:
“It is possible for states that are not Turkic states but are essentially close to Turkic states and follow the same strategy to join the organization. Naturally, this is a regional cooperation organization. The determination of participating states here is based on ethnic and ethnographic characteristics. Therefore, it is not possible to include everyone in this framework, but it can be considered in general.”
The deputy particularly emphasized the proximity of states such as Tajikistan and Pakistan to the Turkic world:
“Especially considering the proximity of states such as Tajikistan and Pakistan to the Turkic world, their inclusion in this format is possible.”
Political scientist Natiq Miri, however, emphasized that the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is located in an important geographical and strategic space connecting Asia and Europe. And the sphere of influence of the OTS further increases the economic and geopolitical importance of the Eurasian region.
“When we speak of the Organization of Turkic States, we are referring to a geographical space connecting Asia and Europe. This is the Eurasian space, and Eurasia is considered the hub of the world. This region, which holds the most important strategic position, is now gaining great significance as an alternative trade route in the modern world,” the political scientist emphasized.
Natiq Miri noted that the operation of the Middle Corridor and its access to various directions increase the economic weight of the OTS:
“The Middle Corridor's access to Europe from Turkey via Georgia, as well as its renewed access to Europe with Turkey via the Zangezur corridor, enhances the importance of this transport route in terms of time, space, and infrastructure. This geography is already becoming a model of peace and cooperation. It is precisely for this reason that great interest has arisen in the Middle Corridor and the logistical capabilities of the region in general.”
According to the expert, as the influence and mutual integration of the OTS increase, the number of countries wishing to become members or partners of the organization also grows:
“Russia has long desired to obtain observer status in this organization. The creation of the ‘OTS+’ structure, however, allows other states to join this process more easily. This expands both the sphere of cooperation and the economic market. As a result, mutual benefit is formed for both sides.”
Natiq Miri does not rule out that the organization's geography will expand further in the future:
“Asian countries, Pakistan, and even potentially India, China, Russia, and the South Caucasus countries could join this format. I do not even rule out Armenia joining the ‘OTS+’ structure in the future, alongside Georgia. This is because a branch of the Zangezur corridor, which is part of the Middle Corridor, passes through Armenian territory.”
The political scientist added that the European Union is also increasing its activity in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. This indicates that interest in the OTS will further strengthen:
“As the trade corridor develops, the volume of transported goods and profits will also increase, consequently expanding the organization's scope. The Organization of Turkic States, operating as a unified, living organism, could become one of the world's decision-making power centers in the future. Every Turkic state must understand that joining the Turan union is a more appropriate path than being a satellite of some power center.”
