Speaking at the Extraordinary Summit of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, held with the vision of "Our unity is our strength," the leaders gave the message that the solidarity they formed in the face of the "disaster of the century" would continue and grow stronger.
In his speech at the closing of the Extraordinary Summit of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) held at the Presidential Complex, President Erdoğan pointed out that the valuable views and assessments of the leaders at the summit would shed light on the future and said that they would continue to work resolutely to advance the priorities of the organisation and implement concrete projects.
Emphasising that they would continue to strive to improve the family council's visibility, international reputation and contribution to integration, President Erdoğan thanked President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, who inspired this summit, the manifestation of brotherly relations, and Term President Uzbekistan. President Erdoğan said:
"I believe that we will overcome this difficult process, in which we are healing the wounds of the earthquake disaster, with solidarity and cooperation. I am sure that our consultations today will be beneficial in terms of increasing the level of preparedness of the Turkic world for disasters and strengthening cooperation in this field. As the Turkic world, our unity is our strength. On this occasion, I greet you once again with respect and affection. We are delighted with your participation and contributions."
The leaders of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), on the other hand, stated the following in their speech in which they wished mercy for those who lost their lives in the earthquake in Kahramanmaraş on February 6 and a speedy recovery to the injured.
AZERBAIJAN
President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan noted that Azerbaijan and Türkiye always stood by each other in both good and sad times and emphasised that this would continue to be the case in the future.
Expressing that Türkiye would overcome the consequences of this earthquake thanks to the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Aliyev stated that they saw Türkiye's support on their side from the first hours to the last day of the Second Karabakh War, thanks to Erdoğan's political, diplomatic and moral support.
Aliyev stated that the Turkish people continued to support Azerbaijan throughout the 44-day war. Recalling the signing of the Shusha Declaration between Türkiye and Azerbaijan in June 2021, Aliyev stated that this declaration crowned the Karabakh Victory and contributed to the bilateral relations conducted within the framework of the alliance.
Aliyev stated that Türkiye advanced respectably in a path full of victories under President Erdoğan's leadership over the past 20 years and said, "Türkiye has become a prominent country not only in the region but also in the whole world. It has also become a centre of power.”
Aliyev said that Türkiye was renowned around the world and that everyone in the world was watching Türkiye's military power and success in the defence industry with envy.
Aliyev stated that 940-person Azerbaijani search and rescue teams, medical personnel, and volunteers were dispatched to the Turkish earthquake zone and added, "Azerbaijan was the top country in terms of the number of search and rescue teams sent to Türkiye."
TRNC
President Ersin Tatar of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) stated that the Kahramanmaraş-epicentred earthquakes that occurred on February 6 deeply distressed everyone, and he wished mercy on those who lost their lives, a quick recovery for the injured and extended get-well wishes for the Turkish people.
Tatar stated that the TRNC, like other countries, dispatched its expert personnel to the earthquake area as quickly as possible and that the Turkish Cypriots organised various campaigns and transported aid to Türkiye.
Stating that Türkiye is a great and strong state, Tatar said, "The Republic of Türkiye is a great state that can heal its wounds quickly. I have no doubt that, as the TRNC and all of the countries that comprise the OTS, we will fulfil all of our responsibilities in solidarity with the Republic of Türkiye by mobilising all of our means."
Tatar emphasised that this summit, held at a time when the earthquake's wounds were still being vigorously treated, was crucial in terms of both timing and strengthening solidarity.
Tatar emphasised the significance of the agreement to establish the "Civil Protection Mechanism of the Organisation of Turkic States" in this context and stated that they were prepared to contribute to the upcoming efforts with their means, experience, and skills and that they hoped this summit would be beneficial to all participating sister states.
"TRNC is the representative of the rights and interests of the Turkic world in the Eastern Mediterranean"
"We continue our struggle to carry forward our state, which we established in 1983 with great challenges, using our right to self-determination, despite all the difficulties," Tatar said, emphasising the TRNC's role as the unwavering advocate of Turks’ presence in the Eastern Mediterranean and the rights and interests of the Turkic world.
Referring to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's call for the official recognition of the TRNC and the lifting of the isolation imposed on the people of Cyprus at the 77th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, Tatar said that it is of great importance for the OTS member states.
"Dear leaders, our unity is our strength. I request you to support us in our rightful cause, demonstrate your solidarity with the Turkish Cypriot people on every platform and contribute to the struggle of our state, which is the representative of the rights and interests of the Turkic world in the region, to achieve the status it deserves in the international arena. I believe that together we will overcome the inhuman isolation imposed on my people, and I express that we expect concrete steps from you in this direction."
Tatar said, "Our struggle is enormous and challenging. However, this is our common cause. At this point, we will continue to be the Turkic world's stronghold guards in the Eastern Mediterranean, and we will continue to stand firm with your support. It should not be forgotten that our struggle for survival is against those who seek to erase and dismiss the Turks’ presence on the island of Cyprus."
KYRGYZSTAN
President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan stated that the Kyrgyz people's strong historical ties with the Turkish people persist, and added: "The connection and relations between our peoples have endured for centuries and will continue in the future. We will always stand by your side."
Japarov stated that the earthquake catastrophe in Türkiye's east caused massive destruction and killed many people: "This summit follows shortly afterwards a historical incident. In this context, I want to extend my condolences to those who have lost loved ones in the earthquakes."
Emphasising that Kyrgyzstan attaches great importance to the membership of the Organisation of Turkic States, Japarov said: "There is a need to develop an emergency response mechanism within the Organisation. It is essential to speed up the establishment of a civil protection mechanism."
Japarov expressed confidence that Türkiye will overcome these challenges, saying, "The connection and relations between our people and the Turkish people have endured for centuries and will continue in the future. We will always stand by your side."
Pointing out that elections will soon be held in friendly and brotherly Türkiye, Japarov said: "I wish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan success in the elections because the reforms carried out under his leadership will lead the Turkish people to development and prosperity."
HUNGARY
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of Hungary expressed his condolences for the earthquakes centred in Kahramanmaraş on February 6 and stated that his country supported Türkiye with search and rescue teams.
Noting that his country continues to provide aid to Türkiye, Orbán said they plan to send more than 100 tonnes of medical supplies in this context.
Stating that Türkiye has developed seriously in recent years and that he has witnessed this himself, Orbán went on to say:
"I first came to Türkiye in 2000 as prime minister, and I have been working with President (Recep Tayyip) Erdoğan for more than 10 years. In the past 23 years, I have seen the development in Türkiye, great progress in Türkiye. I have personally witnessed this remarkable progress made under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. I am sure that this will continue in the future. Mr President, I assure you that we will be proud to support you in the reconstruction process in the future."
Stating that the 175th anniversary of the 1848-1849 War of Independence is being celebrated in Hungary and that the Ottoman Empire opened its doors to the Hungarians who were struggling for freedom against Austria and Russia at that time, Orbán said that Turkish-Hungarian friendship dates back to very old times.
Emphasising that the Russia-Ukraine war had a serious impact on Europe and that his country was a neighbour of Ukraine, Orbán stated that there was a Hungarian minority in Ukraine and that Hungarians also lost their lives in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Stating that a ceasefire and peace should be established as soon as possible in the Russia-Ukraine war, Orbán stated that Europe was being restructured due to the war and that this would also have an impact on the Turkic World.
Orbán said, "I am also grateful to President Erdoğan. He is the only person who successfully initiated negotiations between the two parties of this war. Only in this way can we achieve peace. We would like to express our gratitude to Mr Erdoğan for his contribution to peace."
Noting that OTS members also support the fostering of peace in the Russia-Ukraine war, Orbán said, "I would like to thank the OTS members for strengthening our voices for peace. Every day, people are pushed to war, so it is essential to hear the voice of peace and strengthen the voice of peace wishes. When we consider the global majority, the vast majority of countries seek peace."
Pointing out that they favour developing links between all countries rather than building global blocs, Orbán said, "(In establishing a dialogue amongst global blocs) the Turkic world, the Turkic states will play a key role."
UZBEKISTAN
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan stated that following the earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, the people of Uzbekistan rushed to the aid of their Turkish brothers and sisters in these difficult days by saying, "Türkiye! We are with you".
Mirziyoyev, who once again conveyed his condolences to the Turkish people and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for those who lost their lives in the earthquake, stated that the unprecedented, destructive earthquakes on friendly Turkish territory caused deep grief and sorrow and that nothing can compensate for the loss of beloved parents, brothers, sisters, and children, as a result of this terrible.
Pointing out that for millennia our brotherly nations have been able to courageously overcome various challenges and problems through unity, kindness and mercy, Mirziyoyev said, "The people of Uzbekistan rushed to the aid of their Turkish brothers and sisters in these difficult days by saying, "Türkiye! We are with you."
Stressing that the memories of tens of thousands of innocent people who fell victim to this horrible tragedy would always be with them, Mirziyoyev said, "To honour the blessed memory of all untimely deceased, I would like to propose that the Organisation of Turkic States designate February 6 as the Day of Remembrance of Victims and Solidarity. We are willing to contribute to the construction works in the Ovakent neighbourhood of Hatay province, which was struck by the earthquake and where our rescue teams were deployed. I am confident that the beautiful apartment buildings, modern schools and infrastructure facilities, which we are planning to build there, will serve as a vivid symbol of our close friendship and solidarity."
Mirziyoyev also stated that he invites the elderly from disaster-stricken regions to his country, promising to provide all the necessary conditions for the recovery and relief of the elderly people and for them to visit the mausoleums of their great ancestors such as Imam al-Bukhari, Imam al-Tirmidhi, Imam al-Maturidi, and Baha' al-Din Naqshband.
Mirziyoyev suggested the establishment of a systematic cooperation platform within the organisation and the development of specific mechanisms within the framework of this platform to prevent emergencies and mitigate their consequences.
Noting that a multilateral agreement on the prevention of natural disasters and emergencies should be developed within the organisation in this context, Mirziyoyev stated that cooperation between ministries for emergency situations should be intensified, and a joint action plan should be developed in the highest priority areas at the next meetings of the relevant ministries.
Mirziyoyev also emphasised the importance of establishing an assistance mechanism to solve social and economic problems during such unexpected and difficult times.
TURKMENISTAN
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of Turkmenistan's People's Council of the National Assembly, stated that his country hopes to become a full member of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) at the next summit.
Noting that he participated in this summit not only as the representative of the observer member country in the OTS but also as a member of the Council of Elders of the OTS, "I hope that at the next summit, Turkmenistan will be admitted as a full member of the OTS, with the participation of the President."
Regarding the earthquakes that occurred in Kahramanmaraş on February 6, Berdimuhamedov said, "Thousands of people lost their lives in the earthquake; I wish Allah's mercy upon those who lost their lives in the earthquake and a speedy recovery to the injured."
Stressing that the main agenda of the summit is to manage natural disasters and emergencies, Berdimuhamedov said, "As Turkic states, it is important that we show solidarity, support each other and maintain unity."
Noting that Türkiye was the first country to support Turkmenistan's independence, Berdimuhamedov stated that many cooperation initiatives and projects were undertaken in the political, commercial-economic, and cultural-humanitarian fields between the two countries.
Remarking that Turkmenistan's status of neutrality has been recognised twice in the world, Berdimuhamedov stated that Türkiye supports Turkmenistan in recognition of its status of neutrality.
"I'm willing to consider transporting Turkmen gas to your country"
Stating that the entire cost of the projects by Turkic entrepreneurs in Turkmenistan since 2000 is 110 billion 382 million, and 53 thousand dollars, Berdimuhamedov said, "We just yesterday laid the groundwork for three brand-new construction projects valued at 1.50 billion dollars. Regarding the construction projects, we had faith in our Turkic brothers and sisters and entrepreneurs and gave them these projects. I would like to say that we will keep collaborating with Turkic entrepreneurs to carry out similar projects in the future. "
Berdimuhamedov said the following when discussing the execution of significant projects within the umbrella of the Turkic Republics:
"If we improve our legislation and laws with countries that speak the Turkic language, we may bring the Turkmen warmth to the families of each of our Turkic brothers and sisters by pursuing a diversification policy. First off, I am willing to consider transporting Turkmen gas to your country. In terms of energy, if required, we are ready to speak about transporting the electric power line in addition to the natural gas pipeline. I would like to say that such major projects are waiting for us to realise them in the future."
Noting that the Organisation of Turkic States' member states are geographically situated in seismic zones, Berdimuhamedov stated, "This occasionally results in natural disasters like earthquakes. Thus, it is crucial to do research on seismic zone safety. Solid proposals have been offered on the subject within the purview of the Organisation of Turkic States, and we advocate for the commencement of cooperation on a geodynamic and geophysical basis."
Assessing cultural and humanitarian fields, Berdimuhamedov reported, "Events will be held the following year to commemorate the great poet and philosopher Magtymguly Pyragy's 300th birthday. I want to stress that TURKSOY designated 2024 as the Year of Magtymguly Pyragy and the city of Anev in Turkmenistan as the centre of Turkic culture. I appreciate your support in this matter. I hope that one day you will all visit Turkmenistan as a full member of the Organisation of Turkic States, as opposed to merely an observer member.”
"We nominate President Erdoğan for the Nobel Peace Prize"
Stating that he has had long-standing relationships with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Berdimuhamedov said, "For 22 years, I have had a strong relationship with my esteemed brother Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. I want to express my gratitude on behalf of the Turkmen people for your support to Turkmenistan during this period."
Stating that President Erdoğan is a respected political figure worldwide, Berdimuhamedov said, "He is working very hard to ensure that all Muslim peoples live in peace in addition to his own people. Erdoğan works extremely hard to maintain regional and worldwide international relations based on mutual respect, sustainable development, peace, and security. In light of these, we nominate Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for the Nobel Peace Prize and support any proposals in this vein. Indeed, Erdoğan is a leader deserving of this international award. "
KAZAKHSTAN
President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan conveyed his condolences to the Turkish people and the families of those who died in the earthquakes epicentred in Kahramanmaraş on February 6. He continued by saying that the government and people of Kazakhstan offered a helping hand to brotherly Türkiye immediately following the earthquakes.
Tokayev said, "Our search and rescue teams rushed to assist immediately. Our most skilled and qualified teams of professionals took part in search and rescue operations with their equipment. Both financial and humanitarian assistance was given to the brotherly country."
Pointing out that the Kazakh people did not remain indifferent to the suffering of Türkiye, shaken by devastating earthquakes, Tokayev said, "We have a tradition of helping people called 'asar'. Many of our volunteers travelled to Anatolia from Kazakhstan for this purpose and worked tirelessly on the tasks there. It is crucial to unite such true-hearted individuals for a common objective. I, therefore, extend an invitation to the member states of our organisation to attend the Volunteers Forum, which will be held in Astana this year. "
"We’re prepared to construct social facilities in the earthquake zone"
Insisting that they will support the brotherly Türkiye, Tokayev said, "Our people say that the weight of the load lifted collectively is light. In this regard, I would like to say that we're prepared to construct social facilities in the earthquake zone. This will undoubtedly demonstrate how sincere we are with the Turkish people. "
Noting that brotherly countries should always support each other, regarding the earthquakes epicentred in Kahramanmaraş, Tokayev said, "The Turkic states offered an excellent example of unity and solidarity."
Tokayev stated that the Turkish people have always emerged from difficult circumstances stronger, adding, "I am confident that thanks to your (President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan) experienced leadership, our brothers and sisters will overcome this challenge once again."
"It is critical that our organisation assume its rightful place on the international stage"
Tokayev expressed the necessity of concerted actions among OTS countries to prevent natural disasters and said, “Therefore, I propose the establishment of a joint emergency force as part of OTS. This might be built based on the Centre for Emergency Situations and Disaster Risk Reduction in Almaty, which we established together with Kyrgyzstan in 2016.”
In addition, Tokayev proposed compiling a list of the member states' search and rescue equipment to facilitate speedy coordination in the fight against disasters.
Tokayev emphasised the need to foster cooperation in the Turkic world in light of the current geopolitical and economic climate, stating, "In this context, it is critical for our organisation to assume its rightful place on the international stage."
Noting that Kazakhstan would assume the OTS term presidency this year, Tokayev announced that the OTS Heads of State Summit would be held in Turkestan in October.
Tokayev remarked that the international community's support for Türkiye in these tough times is the result of President Erdoğan's respectable reputation and services, and said, "This year, the Republic of Türkiye will mark its centennial. Türkiye’s influence and reputation on the international stage are extremely robust. In this context, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s efforts and contributions are evident. I wish him every success in the upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections. I believe that the Turkish people will support you.”
KUBANYCHBEK OMURALIEV
Kubanychbek Omuraliev, Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), expressed his condolences to the Turkish people and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stating that they convened under the motto of "Our Unity is Our Strength" as a result of the earthquake that struck Türkiye and saddened the entire Turkic world.
Omuraliev noted that President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan proposed this summit in the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck on February 6 and that it is crucial to host informal summits annually and make them a tradition.
Noting that they represent people with a shared culture, language, life and heart, Omuraliev stated that the ministries of the OTS countries in charge of emergencies provided all possible assistance in close cooperation with AFAD.
Stating that these aids include the establishment of a field hospital, the donation of equipment and medicine, Omuraliev noted that the citizens who live in Türkiye are also voluntarily trying to help the Turkish people during these tough times.
Omuraliev further stressed that they would not leave each other alone during these difficult times, recalling that they did not leave anyone behind throughout the Karabakh conflict and other challenges.
Referring to President Erdoğan’s remarks at the Baku Summit, Omuraliev said, “You quoted Dede Korkut, saying 'A friend is someone who comes when you call in good times and shows up on their own in bad times'. As the Turkic states, we did not leave Türkiye and the brotherly Turkish nation alone.”
Omuraliev said he visited quake-hit areas as the Secretary General of OTS, met with local authorities and saw the camps and field hospitals established there.
Omuraliev stated that he received information about the needs in the disaster-stricken area during his visit and that they conveyed this information to those in their home countries who wished to contribute more.
Omuraliev emphasised the significance of building a mechanism as part of the OTS, noting that this disaster demonstrated the need for substantial actions to deal with and respond to emergencies.
Omuraliev remarked that the world is undergoing a difficult period and that the regions where they live are at the epicentre of significant political transformations.
"In the context of these systemic changes in the international arena, crises in security, migration, energy, and other sectors bring problems that directly impact our lives to our doorstep, and this phenomenon forces us to make difficult decisions," Omuraliev said, and emphasised that global threats and challenges also present certain opportunities.
Omuraliev stated that bilateral relations and multilateral cooperation have developed within the framework of OTS and said:
"As Secretary General of the Organization, I firmly believe that the Organization of Turkic States platform plays a significant role in fostering a climate of unity among our countries. Our organisation has increased our ability to recognise ourselves as brotherly peoples, and I am confident that our peoples and nations will continue to work to grow even closer."
Omuraliev emphasised that the decisions made at the TDT summits in İstanbul and Samarkand increased their cooperation on multiple levels, stating that they have become a large-scale organisation whose name and structure have also changed.
BİNALİ YILDIRIM
Binali Yıldırım, Chairman of the Council of Elders (Aksakals) of the Organization of Turkic States, stated in his speech that after the devastating earthquake, which is considered the disaster of the century, all member states of the Organization of Turkic States mobilised their resources and rushed to the earthquake zone. Yıldırım said that the non-governmental organisations and citizens of the Turkic world almost competed with their states to support the earthquake victims.
Yıldırım recalled that the organisation's name was changed to the Organization of Turkic States, and its structure was strengthened at the historic İstanbul Summit.
"The active work carried out after the İstanbul Summit has paid off"
Yıldırım emphasised that the Council of Elders has been reorganised to contribute more actively to the work of the organisation and said:
"The active work carried out after the Istanbul Summit has paid off, and all countries, including the observer countries, particularly Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Leader of the Turkmen people and the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty (People's Council) of Turkmenistan, appointed Elders. I would like to express my gratitude to the leaders of the Organization of Turkic States for their support in strengthening and enhancing the effectiveness of the Council of Elders. We recently lost Bahtiyar Seyfullah, the Uzbek-appointed Elder. I wish Allah’s mercy on him, and may he rest in heaven.
Binali Yıldırım stated that the climate of unity and resolve fostered by the summits in İstanbul and Samarkand has begun to manifest itself in concrete projects between countries.
Yıldırım stated that the Turkic World Vision 2040 and the decision to establish the Turkic Investment Fund were approved at the 2021 summit held in İstanbul. Yıldırım also reiterated that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was unanimously accepted as an observer member at the Samarkand Summit in 2022.
"We will contribute to the development of the economic infrastructure"
Noting that the 2022-2026 Organisation of Turkic States Strategy Document has also begun to be implemented, Yıldırım made the following assessments:
"In this context, our member countries signed the Trade Facilitation Strategy Document and the Agreement on International Combined Freight Transportation, and it was decided to establish a Simplified Security Customs Corridor. As stated by the leaders, the primary goal of these resolutions is to increase trade between our countries and thus improve welfare.
As the Council of Elders, I would like to state that we will continue our contributions in the fields of common language, culture, and history, as well as the development and integration of the economic infrastructure, which is on the agenda of our organisation, and the expansion of trade between us by easing border crossings, with the assistance of your states in the coming period."
Yıldırım noted that next week they would jointly mark Nevruz, which has been celebrated as a national holiday in the Turkic world for centuries, and Ramadan, which is very important for the Islamic world.