The President of Kazakhstan proposed including Russia in the Organization of Turkic States
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed considering the possibility of Russia joining the Organization of Turkic States or participating as an observer. He noted that this could enhance the authority of the OTS and benefit its members.
President of Kazakhstan proposed including Russia in the Organization of Turkic States
At the summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Ankara, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed including Russia in the association.
"In order to enhance the authority of our organization, it would be a correct and fair decision to view Russia's intention positively and propose that it join this format or participate in the activities of the OTS as an observer," Tokayev stated.
The head of Kazakhstan emphasized that Russia "has maintained close ties with the Turkic world for centuries," and representatives of many Turkic peoples live on the territory of this country.
"Currently, Russia is promoting the 'Altai — Cradle of Turkic Civilization' project, which Kazakhstan supports. Quite a few words in the Russian language are of Turkic origin. In general, if Russia were to become part of the Turkic countries, that is, of our organization, it would benefit all our states," he said.
Tokayev also recalled his statement at the informal OTS summit in Turkistan in May this year. "I declared that the Organization of Turkic States is not and in the future should not turn into a military alliance. This is the position of Kazakhstan," he emphasized.