Expert Assesses Turkic States Organization Agenda

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — An informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States held in Turkestan reflects the organization’s transition toward a more comprehensive model of cooperation that goes beyond a purely cultural and humanitarian agenda, according to Shakhodat Khoshimova, Chief Researcher at the Center for Foreign Policy Studies and International Initiatives, commenting on the high-level meeting.

She said the Organization of Turkic States is steadily strengthening its position as a platform for political coordination, economic integration, as well as transport, logistics, and technological cooperation.

Khoshimova noted that holding the summit in Turkestan, regarded as one of the spiritual centers of the Turkic world, highlights the member states’ efforts to strengthen shared cultural and historical space and expand humanitarian ties.

The expert paid particular attention to the opening of a new mosque in Turkestan with the participation of Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. According to her, such projects serve as symbols of spiritual closeness while also functioning as instruments of cultural diplomacy, strengthening humanitarian engagement within the Turkic space.

She also highlighted the priorities outlined in the Uzbek president’s speech, including the development of digitalization, artificial intelligence, innovation, education, tourism, and youth exchanges. In her view, the humanitarian agenda is increasingly intertwined with technological development and the formation of a shared knowledge space.

The expert emphasized the growing importance of Turkestan and Samarkand as centers of cultural, educational, and pilgrimage tourism in the Turkic world. She said the development of joint tourism routes, cultural initiatives, and educational programs is becoming an important element of integration processes.

In conclusion, Khoshimova said the current summit demonstrates a gradual shift of the Organization of Turkic States toward a model in which cultural diplomacy, digital development, and transport connectivity function as mutually reinforcing directions for strengthening cooperation across Eurasia.