Tokayev suggested considering the possibility of Russia joining the OTS
At the summit in Ankara, the President of Kazakhstan stated that Russia could become a member of the Organization of Turkic States or obtain observer status.
Tokayev suggested considering the possibility of Russia joining the OTS
President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev spoke in favor of studying the option of Russia's participation in the work of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). He raised the corresponding initiative before the participants of the 13th summit of the association, which is taking place in Ankara.
According to the Kazakh leader, Moscow could be offered either membership in the organization or observer status. Tokayev is convinced that such a step would help strengthen the international prestige of the OTS.
Substantiating his proposal, the President of Kazakhstan pointed to Russia's historical and cultural ties with the Turkic world. He stressed that representatives of many Turkic peoples live on the country's territory, and interaction with them has continued for centuries.
Tokayev also recalled the Russian project "Altai — the Cradle of Turkic Civilization," which, according to him, Kazakhstan supports. In addition, he drew attention to the fact that there are words of Turkic origin in the Russian language.
At the same time, the head of Kazakhstan recalled Astana's position regarding the nature of the association.
According to him, at the informal OTS summit in Turkistan in May 2026, he emphasized that the organization is not a military alliance and should not acquire such status in the future.
"This is the position of Kazakhstan," Tokayev stated.