Azerbaijan plays key role in deepening integration within OTS — Kazakh analyst

Azerbaijan today is one of the main initiators of integration processes in the Turkic world, Kazakh political analyst Aman Manbetaliev said in an interview with the Kazakh bureau of Report News Agency, commenting on the upcoming informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States scheduled for May 15.

According to him, despite historical developments and the Soviet period, cultural and integration ties within the Turkic space have been preserved.

"At the state and intergovernmental level, these relations developed more broadly after the collapse of the USSR and the restoration of independence of the Turkic states," Manbetaliev said.

He noted that Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan have become the main drivers of integration processes.

"This applies not only to geopolitics, security, and the economy, but also to cultural, scientific, and environmental cooperation," the analyst said.

He added that a new stage of integration began during the presidencies of Ilham Aliyev and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

"Today, all integration processes within the OTS have moved to a new, higher level," Manbetaliev said.

The analyst also pointed to expanding economic cooperation within the organization.

"We see plans to establish a development and reconstruction bank, an investment fund, and trade turnover is increasing year by year," he noted.

According to Manbetaliev, personal contacts between the leaders of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan play an important role in strengthening relations.

"Both presidents frequently exchange visits and support each other on various international platforms. They also travel with businesspeople and academics, which strengthens economic and cultural ties," he said.

He added that such relations have also contributed to Kazakhstan's participation in the reconstruction of Azerbaijan's Karabakh region.

"This shows that the leaders of the two countries have very close, warm, and trust-based relations. This is a strong foundation for further strengthening integration among Turkic peoples," he emphasized.