Kazakhstan backs creation of OTS+ format

Kazakhstan has supported Türkiye's proposal to create the Organization of Turkic States Plus (OTS+) format.

Report"s correspondent in Turkistan informs that Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said this while speaking at an informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).

He noted that there should be clear criteria for all those wishing to join this format.

Tokayev also rejected claims that the OTS is a military alliance.

"Today, the international community trusts our organization, and its authority on the global stage is growing. In this regard, Kazakhstan supports the initiative to recognize Altai as the cradle of Turkic civilization. In addition, we support the proposal to create the Altai Dialogue platform and a corresponding forum," Tokayev said, adding that Kazakhstan supported Türkiye's initiative to expand cooperation within the OTS+ format.

In this regard, Tokayev proposed developing specific mechanisms for interaction with states and organizations that have expressed interest in joining this format.

"Dear colleagues, various opinions were expressed during the discussions. However, it is clear that their goal is not division, but the search for common guidelines. Kazakhstan considers it necessary to reject any approaches that could undermine this unity," the Kazakh leader stressed.

He also noted the extreme importance of strengthening the unity of the Turkic world.

"First of all, the Organization of Turkic States is not a geopolitical or military alliance. It is a unique platform aimed at strengthening trade, economic, high-tech, digital and humanitarian cooperation among brotherly countries. It is clear that this approach fully meets the national interests of our states. May the Turkic world always remain united and continue to develop together without retreating from common goals," he concluded.