Gabala, October 7, 2025 – The Europe Today: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan highlighted the importance of self-development and regional cooperation for Turkic nations during a press briefing in Gabala on the sidelines of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting.
Speaking to Azerbaijani media, Fidan noted that the world is experiencing profound changes, with geostrategic shifts impacting all regions, including the Turkic world. He emphasized that the institutionalization of the OTS and its increasingly coordinated actions strengthen member states’ resilience to global crises.
“But the institutionalization of the Organization of Turkic States and its increasingly coordinated actions make us more resilient to crises. This is the institutional stance we jointly present,” he said.
Fidan stressed that enhancing the economies, infrastructure, technology, defense capacities, and essential services of Turkic states benefits each nation individually and collectively. “When each strong state comes together, a stronger structure emerges. Therefore, as long as we continue on our current path, God willing, we will face a Turkic world more resilient to global crises,” he said, adding that leaders will discuss this issue further on Tuesday in Gabala.
Expressing his pleasure at being in Gabala for the summit, Fidan praised the city’s role as a host for the leaders of the Turkic world. “We would like to extend our respects to President Ilham Aliyev. We have been to Baku many times, and all meetings have been held there, but introducing and hosting the leaders of the Turkic world in such a beautiful city is truly remarkable,” he said.
Creating Stability in the Region
Fidan also emphasized that Türkiye’s foreign policy prioritizes ensuring stability in the region, a goal that requires addressing conflicts, fostering fair economic cooperation, and institutionalizing regional structures. “First, to calm or end wars and conflicts as much as possible. Second, to develop economic cooperation fairly so that everyone benefits. Third, to institutionalize relations and regional structures to make them more sustainable,” he explained.
He added that Ankara’s efforts leverage Türkiye’s regional power, prestige, and leadership to promote stability. “Unfortunately, in previous periods, the dominant perception in global relations was either competition, dominance, or submission. Now we have moved beyond that, adopting a foreign policy based on cooperation and stability that is more humane, moral, and beneficial for all. This is the path we continue to follow,” Fidan said.
The Turkish Foreign Minister’s remarks underscored the strategic vision of Türkiye and the OTS in fostering a resilient and cooperative Turkic world amid global challenges.
