Mirziyoyev calls for systematic approach to cooperation among Turkic states

Relations among the countries of the Turkic world should be given a more systematic character, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev said at the informal summit of the heads of state of the Organization of Turkic States, according to Report's correspondent.

"We face an urgent task - to give our relations a systematic character. Relying on this invaluable heritage, we are now creating a new era of digital development for the Turkic world. In this regard, I would like to put forward several initiatives for expanding cooperation in this direction," he said.

Mirziyoyev proposed establishing within the organization a strategic cooperation network in the field of artificial intelligence, as well as developing the concept of a "Digital Turkic Corridor" that would connect regional data centers through high-speed communication channels.

The Uzbek president noted that in recent years the country, together with foreign investors, had attracted $6 billion in investments for the creation of data centers. He also announced plans to hold a Technology Forum in Tashkent with the participation of OTS member states.

According to him, the shared goal of OTS countries is to deepen cooperation in science, education, and youth policy. He highlighted the growing role of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent as a regional scientific and educational platform and welcomed the opening of a TURKSOY office there.

Mirziyoyev proposed combining the efforts of the Center, TURKSOY, and the Turkic Academy to systematize historical and cultural heritage on a unified digital platform.

He also stressed that the development of digital logistics platforms is a key direction for improving transport connectivity. According to him, the E-permit electronic permit system is already functioning between Uzbekistan and all OTS member states.

The Uzbek president emphasized the importance of developing the Middle Corridor and integrating it with the under-construction China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway. He also underlined the need for digitalizing data exchange and implementing a simplified customs corridor.

"This will ensure seamless data transmission across the entire logistics chain, cargo tracking, and coordinated management of processes," he said.

Mirziyoyev added that worsening environmental conditions and climate change require coordinated action by OTS countries. He proposed creating a climate risk monitoring system based on satellite data for the early detection of droughts, monitoring soil degradation and glacier melting, as well as introducing AI into the management of transboundary water resources.

The Uzbek leader also announced the allocation of 50 grants for youth from Turkic countries at the Central Asian University for Environmental and Climate Change Studies in Tashkent and proposed declaring 2027 the Year of Environmental Protection within the OTS framework.

"Another important area is strengthening cooperation among our countries" law enforcement agencies in combating terrorism, extremism, and destructive movements. Expanding cooperation in cybersecurity, training modern specialists, and operative exchange of information are especially relevant. We need to create a unified space of security and trust in the Turkic world to identify and prevent new threats. In this regard, I propose the creation of a common mechanism - a Turkic Alliance for Cybersecurity and the Protection of Digital Infrastructure. In addition, when using artificial intelligence, it is extremely important to strictly observe ethical standards," he added.