Turkic world increasingly institutionalizing, deepening its cooperation: Turkish foreign minister

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Friday said the Turkic world is increasingly institutionalizing and deepening its cooperation, according to Turkish diplomatic sources.

Speaking at a foreign ministers meeting during the leaders' summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Astana, Fidan shared his satisfaction with the developments, and stressed the importance of making the Middle Corridor more attractive for investments.

He emphasized the importance of transporting resources from beyond the Caspian Sea, especially Turkmen natural gas, to Türkiye and Europe.

Member countries of the OTS have great potential, especially in trade, economy, energy, and transportation, Fidan said.

The OTS, formerly called the Turkic Council, was established in 2009 as an intergovernmental organization made up of prominent independent Turkic countries that work together to elevate relations and union among themselves.

Its members are Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, while Hungary, Turkmenistan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus have observer status.

He also called for support to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), saying: "We must collectively stand against the unfair and inhumane isolation imposed on the Turkish Cypriots."

On recent developments in Karabakh, where Azerbaijan established constitutional order after an anti-terrorism operation, Fidan said "Türkiye will continue to stand by Azerbaijan."

On Israel's relentless attacks on Gaza since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, he said massacre of civilians is unacceptable and reiterated his call for an immediate and unconditional cease-fire.

Humanitarian aid to Gaza should be delivered without interruption, the foreign minister added.