Kazakhstan hosts Informal Summit of Organization of Turkic States
Held in Turkestan, the spiritual capital of the Turkic world, the summit testifies to Kazakhstan ‘s growing international and diplomatic profile, as it comes in a series of such high profile engagements in Central Asia ‘s largest state.
By Aditi Bhaduri
On May 15, Kazakhstan hosted the Informal Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Turkestan, considered the spiritual capital of the Turkic world. The summit, held under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development”, focused on digital development, artificial intelligence, and strengthening regional connectivity.
The Summit gathered the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Ilham Aliyev; the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, H.E. Sadyr Zhaparov; the President of the Republic of Türkiye, H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan; the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev; the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, H.E. Tufan Erhürman; and the Secretary General of the OTS, H.E. Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev.
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The Chairman and Members of the Council of Elders of the OTS, as well as the Heads of the Turkic Cooperation Organizations, were also in attendance.
This testifies to Kazakhstan ‘s growing international and diplomatic profile, as it comes in a series of such high profile engagements in Central Asia ‘s largest state.
Turkestan – the Spiritual Center of the Turkic world
The summit focus was on strengthening strategic dialogue among Turkic states on the use of AI, digital innovation and emerging technologies to support economic growth, improve public services and enhance regional connectivity. Hosting the summit in Turkistan, widely regarded as the spiritual capital of the Turkic world, was intended to symbolize the connection between the shared historical heritage of Turkic peoples and their ambitions for a technologically advanced future.
As President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev explained in his opening address’The Mausoleum of Hazret Sultan, located here, is regarded as a symbol of spiritual unity and historical continuity. Khoja Ahmed Yasawi made an invaluable contribution to enriching the worldview of brotherly peoples. He promoted universal human values, inspiring people to noble deeds, productive work, and adherence to moral principles. This outstanding thinker was able to integrate Islam into the spiritual fabric of Turkic culture. He left behind priceless works and a rich intellectual legacy. His reflections and hikmets (words of wisdom) represent a unique spiritual treasure of the Turkic peoples.”
Today Today, Turkestan is a remarkable city that combines the spirit of antiquity with modern innovation. The economic potential of the region is growing. In 2025,the region’s economy grew by 9.3%, while its total output exceeded 10 billion US dollars. It has attracted investments worth 3.5 billion US dollars. President Tokayev underscored that the reason tohold the summit in Turkestan was ” to meet with the leaders of brotherly Turkic states and present a renewed Turkestan to the global community.”
In order to strengthen cooperation amongst the Turkic states for their general development and technological advancement, President Tokayev proposed creating a network of artificial intelligence centers, a joint Turkic IT hub and a unified digital platform for Turkic history and culture during the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Turkistan, as member states discussed expanding cooperation in technology, digitalization and investment amid rising global instability.
Technological Advancement
Referring to the rapid global race for technological leadership, the President underscored that Turkic countries must consolidate efforts in digitalization, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to avoid “remaining on the sidelines of progress. ”In an era of technological competition, digital transformation and artificial intelligence must ensure the shared progress of the Turkic world,” the President explained.
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In this regard, the President elaborated on Kazakhstan ‘s own experience and endeavor to become a regional digital hub and said digital transformation remains one of the country’s strategic priorities. Kazakhstan had declared 2026 the Year of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence, launched two supercomputers and opened the International AI Center Alem.ai in Astana. The next step, President Tokayev said, would be to create a Data Center Valley aimed at attracting major global technology companies and international digital capital.
The President also highlighted Kazakhstan’s newly introduced Golden Visa program for foreign entrepreneurs, investors and highly qualified specialists, as well as the adoption of the country’s Digital Code and artificial intelligence legislation. “In the near future, Kazakhstan will approve the Digital Qazaqstan strategy, which will define the country’s future direction in digital development,” he said. One of the proposals put forward by President Tokayev was the creation of a network of AI centers across the Turkic countries to promote joint research, talent development and rechnology exchange. He also announced plans to establish a new format AI university in Kazakhstan and said Astana is ready to provide grants for students from Turkic states. He further proposed hold8ng annual scientific and technological olympiads in programming, AI and advanced digital technologies among young peoplefrom member states of the OTS.
Tokayev also suggested creating a joint IT hub called Turkic AI within the Alem.ai center in Astana, while also calling for mutual recognition of digital signatures and electronic documents among OTS members, saying this would strengthen trade and economic integration. A number of other initiatives were also put forward by the Kazakh leader, like establishing OTS digital monitoring and innovation centers, as well as a cybersecurity council to help member states exchange operational information and respond to digital threats.
The summit, convened at a particular turbulent time for the global communities, marks not just Kazakhstan ‘s rising diplomatic profile but also as a regional digital hub, with capital Astana boasting centre’s like the Astana Hub.
Kazakhstan is making rapid strides today in every facet of development. The reason was elaborated by President Tokayev. “Today our country is successfully implementing such important initiatives as ‘Adal Azamat “(“Responsible Citizen”), “Just Kazakhstan”, ^Taza Kazakhstan ^ (“Clean Kazakhstan “), and many others. Our key objective is to improve the well-being of our people and strengthen our statehood ” the President explained.
The gathering is expected to further strengthen unity, solidarity and practical cooperation among Turkic states amid accelerating global digital transformation.
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