Meeting of the Council of Elders of the Organisation of Turkic States
The 15th Meeting of the Council of Elders of the Organisation of Turkic States, chaired by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, member of the Council of Elders of the OTS Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, was held in the capital city.
Our country is known to have observer status in the OTS since 2021. The holding of the next meeting of the Council of Elders, which is an advisory body of the Organisation of Turkic States, in Ashgabat indicates the active position of Turkmenistan in the development of multifaceted constructive cooperation in the OTS format. The Turkmen people are united with the peoples of the participating countries of this Organisation by the commonality of their historical roots and cultural and spiritual traditions that have developed over centuries and are acquiring new filling in the modern era.
Before the Meeting, the heads of delegations of friendly states were warmly greeted by the Hero-Arkadag.
After the official joint photographing ceremony, the 15th Meeting of the Council of Elders of the Organisation of Turkic States took place.
At the beginning of the Meeting, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov greeted the Chairman of the OTS Council of Elders, the Secretary General of the Organisation and all those present with the words “Welcome to independent and neutral Turkmenistan in the year “Fount of Wisdom Magtymguly Pyragy!”
The Hero-Arkadag also congratulated the meeting participants on the beginning of the holy month of Oraza.
“I ask the Almighty to grant you good health, prosperity and every success in your important activity,” the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said.
Taking this opportunity, the National Leader of the Turkmen people thanked those gathered for supporting Turkmenistan’s proposal to hold the next, 15th Meeting of the Council of Elders of the Organisation of Turkic States in Ashgabat, for visiting our country and for participating in the Meeting.
As it was known, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov continued, at previous meetings of the Council of Elders a number of important proposals had been made for the development and strengthening of diverse cooperation within the framework of the OTS, which had been of a guiding and recommendatory nature at the meetings of the heads of state of the Organisation.

Expressing confidence that the Meeting held that day would serve to further improve the effectiveness of relations among the Turkic states in the political and diplomatic, trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres, the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted it would be useful to discuss issues related to the enrichment of the existing partnership in a wide range and to express opinions and views on that matter.
After declaring the 15th Meeting of the Council of Elders of the Organisation of Turkic States open, the Hero-Arkadag gave the first floor to the Chairman of the Council of Elders of the OTS Binali Yıldırım.
Upon warmly greeting the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the Secretary General of the Organisation of Turkic States and all those present, the head of the OTS advisory body emphasised he was very glad to be in Ashgabat those days. It was noted that the Meeting of the Council of Elders of the Organisation was being held for the first time in a state that had observer status in the OTS.
It was stressed that close cooperation among member countries and observers of the OTS made a significant contribution to the activities of the Organisation of Turkic States. In this regard, sincere gratitude was expressed to the Hero-Arkadag for the invitation and the cordial hospitality provided.
It was noted that the activities of the Council of Elders had highly been appreciated at the highest level, which was reflected in the Astana Declaration, adopted following the results of the 10th OTS Summit, which had taken place in the capital of Kazakhstan in November 2023. This vividly demonstrates the transformation of the Council into an active structure.
It was emphasised that the availability of an enormous common potential, fraternal solidarity and support and effective multifaceted cooperation allowed our countries to achieve positive results in sustainable development. Prosperity and stability in the Turkic states greatly contribute to the prosperity and stability in the region. For these purposes, it is necessary to intensify joint efforts to further build up mutually beneficial partnerships.
In this regard, the Chairman of the OTS Council of Elders highlighted a number of aspects that were important for the successful promotion of interstate cooperation. Here, priority attention is paid to interaction in the areas of economy and trade, transport, energy, investments and other promising areas. The issue of the regular participation of members of the Council of Elders in OTS Summits was also raised.
At the end of his speech, the guest once again expressed gratitude to Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for the high organisational level of the Meeting and the warm welcome provided.
Thanking the Chairman of the OTS Council of Elders for the kind words and deeply meaningful speech, the National Leader of the Turkmen people gave the floor to the Secretary General of the Organisation of Turkic States Kubanychbek Omuraliev.
After expressing sincere gratitude to Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for the high level of hospitality provided in the Turkmen land, the OTS Secretary General, addressing the participants of the meeting, wished everyone a blessed month of Oraza.
Continuing his speech, Mr Kubanychbek Omuraliev noted the importance of the results of the OTS Summit held in Astana in November 2023 for the further development of cooperation among the Turkic states. At the same time, the strengthening of interaction and solidarity among fraternal countries, which was of great importance in the modern period, when the region and the world were faced with new challenges, was stated.
It was stressed that concrete steps had been implemented and were being taken to intensify cooperation in the economic, commercial and investment spheres and in the transport, communications and industrial sectors, to increase the volume of mutual trade turnover and to ensure food security.
An integral component of interstate cooperation is the humanitarian field, where a significant aspect is holding joint forums, including scientific ones.
Among the priority vectors of partnership among the Turkic countries is the energy sector. In this regard, the topicality and relevance of the proposal, voiced by the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the OTS Summit in Astana on the advisability of developing a Roadmap for the development of cooperation in that sphere by the participating countries of the Organisation, was noted.
The Secretary General of the OTS also noted that year there would be celebrations to mark the 300th birth anniversary of the great Turkmen poet and thinker Magtymguly Pyragy and the proclamation of the city of Anau the cultural capital of the Turkic world. Upon congratulating Turkmenistan on those significant events, Mr Kubanychbek Omuraliev confirmed the readiness of the OTS to provide full support in holding festive events.
Concluding his speech, the Secretary General of the Organisation of Turkic States thanked the members of the Council of Elders for their recommendations, noting they would be sent by the OTS Secretariat to the relevant bodies of the participating countries.
After thanking the Secretary General of the Organisation of Turkic States for his detailed and substantive speech, the Hero-Arkadag continued the meeting and gave the floor to Ikram Adyrbekov, a member of the OTS Council of Elders from the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Expressing deep gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for the hospitality and high organisational level of the meeting, the guest noted the Kazakh delegation included well-known and respected elders who had made and were currently making a significant contribution to the formation and development of independent Kazakhstan.
In this regard, confidence was expressed that the idea, put forward by the Hero-Arkadag about mutual visits of elders, would become a good tradition. It was also noted that the elders who were part of the delegation that had arrived in Ashgabat were fluent in the Turkmen language.
Highlighting the trusting nature of the exchange of views that had taken place the day before on issues of cooperation in the OTS format, including that in the humanitarian and environmental spheres, Ikram Adyrbekov separately focused on the topic of the Turkmen-Kazakh relations. As it was noted, in Kazakhstan, the Hero-Arkadag was known as the generally recognised leader of the Turkmen people, one of the outstanding statesmen of the Turkic world. The Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan makes a huge contribution to the development of fraternal interstate relations.
It was emphasised that the Turkmen-Kazakh dialogue had acquired the character of a strategic partnership, in which visits and contacts at the highest level played a decisive role. Our countries constantly provide each other with mutual support, on the international arena as well. It was also stated that there was a solid potential for cooperation in the trade, economic, transport and transit spheres and in the agroindustrial complex. Great importance is attached to strengthening the traditional interaction in the cultural and humanitarian field. In particular, it was noted that one of the central streets of Astana was named after the great Turkmen poet Magtymguly, whose 300th anniversary was widely being celebrated that year.
At the end of his speech, Ikram Adyrbekov expressed confidence that good-neighbourly interstate cooperation would continue to steadily expand and strengthen.
After thanking the representative of Kazakhstan for his informative speech, the Hero-Arkadag gave the next floor to Metedkan Sherimkulov, a member of the Council of Elders of the Organisation of Turkic States from the Kyrgyz Republic.
Expressing heartfelt gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for the initiative to hold the Meeting of the OTS Council of Elders in Ashgabat, rightfully recognised as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and for its high organisational level, he also congratulated everyone on the significant date – the 300th birth anniversary of the outstanding Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy, whose works were highly valued by the peoples of the Turkic states.
Stressing the friendly and good-neighbourly nature of the Turkmen-Kyrgyz relations, having a centuries-old history, Metedkan Sherimkulov expressed deep gratitude to the Hero-Arkadag for his significant contribution to strengthening the traditional interstate dialogue, dynamically developing across its entire spectrum. Vivid evidence of this is the regular mutual visits and summit meetings, the important agreements reached and the documents signed as a result of them.
Confidence was also expressed that holding the 15th Meeting of the OTS Council of Elders in Ashgabat would serve to strengthen the ties of friendship among the Turkic states and peoples and to further expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation in its priority areas: in the political and diplomatic, trade and economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres.
Taking this opportunity, Metedkan Sherimkulov wished Hero-Arkadag, Honorary Elder Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov every success in their large-scale noble activity.
Thanking the representative of Kyrgyzstan for his detailed speech, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty gave the floor to Sodikjon Turdiev, a member of the OTS Council of Elders from the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Upon greeting the Hero-Arkadag, Chairman of the OTS Council of Elders, the Secretary General of the Organisation and the participants of the meeting, the representative of Uzbekistan congratulated everyone on the onset of the blessed month of Oraza and on the 300th birth anniversary of the great poet and thinker of the East Magtymguly Pyragy, celebrated this year.
The guest emphasised the interstate relations, based on their common historical and cultural roots, were successfully developing in all directions. Visible symbols of the inviolability of the ties of friendship and good neighbourliness, connecting the two fraternal peoples, are the beautiful Ashgabat and Tashkent Parks, located in the capitals of both countries.
As for the activities of the Organisation of Turkic States, it was noted that it primarily promoted the ideas of ensuring peace in the region and developing trade and economic cooperation and economic integration. The focus of the OTS is on current issues related to the environment, the humanitarian sphere, including science, education and culture, the harmonious education of the younger generation and such areas as energy, transport, investment and food security ensuring.
Thus, at the OTS Summit, held last year in Astana, a number of proposals and initiatives, aimed at further building up multilateral and long-term ties within the Organisation, were voiced. In this context, the opinion was expressed that the main task of the elders was to effectively support those initiatives, covering the priority vectors of cooperation.
In his speech, a member of the OTS Council of Elders from the Republic of Uzbekistan also focused on the topic of education and upbringing of the younger generation, noting the importance of stimulating and encouraging talented youth striving for innovation. At the same time, the importance of preserving and widely popularising the rich cultural heritage of the Turkic peoples, including folklore, where the wise instructions of their ancestors were concentrated and enduring high spiritual and moral values were reflected, was highlighted.
After thanking the representative of Uzbekistan for his detailed speech, the Hero-Arkadag then gave the floor to Attila Tilki, a member of the Council of Elders representing Hungary.
The guest expressed sincere gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for the invitation to visit Ashgabat and to take part in the Meeting.
It was noted that economic cooperation with the Turkic states had a positive effect on the Hungarian economy. The interaction between Hungary and the OTS is an example of a constructive partnership based on the principles of equality and mutual respect.
It was emphasised that the OTS countries had a solid potential for cooperation in various fields. Contacts in the field of education were also named as one of the important areas. It was noted that the youth of the OTS member states were showing great interest in that. In this context, it was emphasised that, on the basis of relevant bilateral documents, the Turkmen-Hungarian cooperation in the educational sphere was being strengthened. There are opportunities for mutually beneficial ties in other relevant areas, including the field of water management.
Noting the great prospects of cooperation within the framework of the OTS, Attila Tilki stressed that in the light of modern realities, the importance of a reliable and mutually respectful partnership increased significantly.
Thanking the representative of Hungary for his informative speech, the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov expressed gratitude to everyone for the exchange of views and the specific constructive proposals voiced.
Then, the Hero-Arkadag addressed the audience with a speech, outlining the views and proposals of Turkmenistan as the country hosting the 15th Meeting of the Council of Elders of the Organisation of Turkic States.
Once again expressing gratitude to everyone for accepting the invitation to participate in the Meeting, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan emphasised that there we could see respected, wise and worthy representatives of the Turkic peoples. Taking this opportunity, the Hero-Arkadag once again cordially congratulated those gathered on the beginning of the holy month of Oraza.
As the National Leader of the Turkmen people further noted, at the previous meeting of the Council of Elders, a number of important proposals had been made, including the holding of the next, 15th Meeting of the Council in Ashgabat in 2024, which had been received with a sense of inspiration and high responsibility.

Speaking about this, the Hero-Arkadag stressed the great importance of the Council of Elders, which promoted the unification of the Turkic peoples around their common rich historical heritage, traditions, customs and moral principles formed over the centuries.
The Council of Elders is a wise assistant and adviser in the activities of the Organisation of Turkic States and their leaders. “Our life experience and knowledge contribute to the adoption of thoughtful, far-sighted decisions at the state level, helping give a correct assessment of various issues of domestic and international life.” The Council provides an invaluable service in educating young people and helping them choose the right path.
“Our work is one of the indestructible pillars of unity, brotherhood and mutual support of the Turkic peoples, which is especially important at the present time,” the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty continued, expressing the hope that the Council of Elders would become an important part of the activities of the OTS in the social, humanitarian and cultural areas and would facilitate the implementation of decisions and agreements reached at the state level.
Rendering assistance in promoting the international humanitarian relations of the Organisation, the Council must actively participate in public diplomacy. In that regard, we faced great challenges, and there were ample opportunities for joint work, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said, confirming Turkmenistan’s constant focus on close cooperation within that structure. We would actively participate in the planning and organisation of events and would further promote enhancing the authority and significance of the Council of Elders, the National Leader of the Turkmen people said.
Reiterating that the unity and solidarity of the Turkic states were very important in the difficult international conditions, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty emphasised strengthening fraternal relations among our peoples was of special and paramount importance. These concepts should form the basis of all joint projects and initiatives.
In this context, the decisive role of the general strategy of the OTS, including that on priority international issues, was noted. Close and effective cooperation of the Turkic states is a significant condition for their economic growth, prosperity and competitiveness. In establishing our relations, based on the requirements of the modernity, it was important to rely on a common foundation for development, the National Leader of the Turkmen people stressed.
Guided by centuries of positive experience, we maintain historical continuity, which brings results. “In the current geopolitical and economic conditions, it is necessary to restore the functions and role of our peoples and states,” the Hero-Arkadag noted.
Realising this, Turkmenistan is guided by the need to make cooperation within the Organisation of Turkic States consistent and long-term, paying special attention to promising areas.
One of them is energy. Our country considers it necessary to create an effective, reliable and self-sufficient partnership model in the generally unstable conditions of global energy markets. This will meet the growing energy needs of our states.
As one of the largest producers of energy resources, Turkmenistan was ready to supply them to fraternal countries and to increase supply volumes, the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted. Currently, our country exports electricity to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. In addition, there are plans to implement large projects with the participation of those states to send Turkmen natural gas in the eastern direction.
“We also have good opportunities to export Turkmen natural gas and electricity to Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Türkiye. We are ready to continue providing assistance to fraternal countries in ensuring energy security,” the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov emphasised in continuation of the topic.
In the future, it will be possible to create a permanently operating integrated energy transmission system. In this case, the Turkic states will be able to fully take advantage of their geographical proximity, resource potential and means of supply.
Along with this, priority is given to the transport sphere in the cooperation of our countries. In this aspect, the Hero-Arkadag noted the advisability of starting to form a unified transport strategy. Consolidation of efforts will make it possible to reach agreements with international partners and major investors in this sphere.
In this context, the National Leader of the Turkmen people highlighted the importance of Turkmenistan’s strategy for restoring the Great Silk Road. In this direction, the main role belongs to the Turkic states.
The “Turkic Belt” many centuries ago had a significant positive impact on the progress of humankind. It geographically connected the development of Eastern and Western cultures, becoming a place for a wide exchange of knowledge and achievements in various fields. These processes, which lasted hundreds of years, influenced dozens of peoples and states, the historical fate of which was largely determined by their proximity to the Turkic world.
Expressing his opinion on rethinking and adapting to that great historical mission of the Turkic peoples, Hero-Arkadag Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov spoke about the need to create a new structure of cooperation in the Eurasian space. Upon determining its main directions in politics, economy, trade, culture and worldview, it is necessary to give this work a stable and consistent character.
As the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan further noted, the priority aspect of joint work in the Council was humanism. Our peoples are distinguished by their common language, culture and historical roots. We will never give up our roots, which are in the blood and genes of our peoples, loyalty to family ties and respect for parents and elders. We would not change our commitment to the principles of honouring traditions and customs, patriotism and duty, the Hero-Arkadag emphasised.
Today, along with the importance of strengthening friendship and mutual understanding among the Turkic peoples, it is also important to pass on our experience and millennia-old spiritual heritage to younger generations. It is necessary to instil in young people a love of their past and to prepare them to achieve success for the benefit of people and the Motherland. “I see this as one of the main functions of the Council and its role in supporting state efforts in this area,” the National Leader of the Turkmen people said.
This year, the 300th birth anniversary of our great thinker and poet Magtymguly Pyragy is known to be celebrated in Turkmenistan and abroad. This date will also be widely celebrated in the Turkic states, which is certainly natural. After all, Magtymguly is the pride of not only the Turkmen people. He is the pride of the entire Turkic world, an example of nobility, courage, honesty, openness and courage inherent in our peoples. Praising precisely these qualities, Magtymguly dreamed of the greatness and prosperity of our peoples. “Today we are walking together along the path he defined,” the Hero-Arkadag emphasised.
Addressing the audience, the National Leader of the Turkmen people noted that during the meeting, an exchange of views on improving the activities of the Council of Elders, increasing the efficiency of the Organisation of Turkic States and intensifying cooperation among our fraternal countries had taken place. Many innovative views and concrete initiatives were voiced.
In particular, given the complex trends in the development of modern society, an important part of international interaction is the promotion of high morality, humanism, justice, decency and respect among the Turkic peoples and the education of a worthy younger generation.
“Today we have gathered here to discuss tasks that will allow the fraternal Turkic peoples to follow the path of prosperity and wellbeing.” At the same time, the Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty expressed his firm confidence that the recommendations and relevant decisions made during the Meeting would certainly serve to further bring our peoples closer together and to develop a vector for the development of the Organisation of Turkic States.
Taking this opportunity, the Hero-Arkadag wished everyone good health, prosperity and success in their noble activity.
At this, National Leader of the Turkmen people Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov declared the 15th meeting of the Council of Elders of the Organisation of Turkic States closed.
Following the meeting, a corresponding Communiqué was adopted.
Thus, the 15th meeting of the Council of Elders of the OTS, held in Ashgabat on the initiative of the Turkmen party, became an effective contribution to the further strengthening and development of traditionally friendly interstate relations and fruitful diverse cooperation that meets the goals of common wellbeing and progress.