Turkish vice president highlights strategic role of Turkic bloc amid global uncertainty

Cevdet Yilmaz says OTS economies growing nearly twice global average, stresses stronger connectivity, trade and stability in region

Türkiye's Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz on Thursday highlighted the growing importance of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), saying recent progress within the bloc is “highly valuable,” particularly amid shifting regional dynamics. Speaking to reporters in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku, following a meeting of OTS member states’ prime ministers and vice presidents, Yilmaz said the organization is gaining momentum in a period marked by rising geopolitical tensions and global uncertainty. “The progress and development achieved by the Organization of Turkic States in recent years is extremely valuable,” Yilmaz said, adding that a strengthening environment of peace in the South Caucasus is expected to enhance connectivity between Türkiye and other Turkic states. Regional cooperation and integration have become more critical as international institutions and rules weaken, emphasizing that the OTS offers a platform for stability and coordinated growth. Yilmaz also underlined the strong economic performance of OTS member countries, saying they are growing at nearly twice the global average. “While global growth stood at around 3% last year, OTS member countries saw growth of approximately 6%,” he said. “They are advancing at nearly double the global rate, with rising national incomes.”   -Growth in turbulent times He added that the bloc aims to further boost intra-regional trade, which currently accounts for just over 6% of total exports among member states, stressing the need to raise this figure significantly through simplified customs procedures, trade agreements, and improved transportation links. Energy, logistics, and the global green and digital transformation were also among the key topics discussed during the meeting, Yilmaz said, noting that the region is open to new initiatives in these areas. Highlighting the group’s broader vision, Yilmaz said boosting mutual investments and economic cooperation would contribute to the prosperity of member states. At a time when both the world and the region are growing increasingly unstable, the OTS continues to grow and develop in stability, he said, adding that countries in the bloc are determined to take necessary initiatives in line with evolving global conditions. He said that Türkiye aims to maintain stability without being drawn into regional turmoil and will take necessary steps in line with post-war conditions. Yilmaz also expressed confidence that stronger economic ties and collaboration within the OTS would benefit all member states and reinforce long-term regional stability.