Turkic states press on with Asia-Europe transport projects as new opportunities emerge

Turkic states set out plans to deepen cooperation on transport, energy and trade at a summit in Ankara as the ongoing crisis in the Middle East continues raising new opportunities for the Turkic states. In a surprise move during the summit, Kazakhastan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev suggested inviting Russia to participate in the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) through its OTS Plus format or as an observer, “in order to enhance the standing and credibility of our Organisation." The proposal was made at the organisation's 13th summit hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, which concluded with the adoption of the Ankara Declaration. No agreement on Russia's participation was announced.