The Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) concluded its 13th Heads of State Council Summit in Ankara with the signing of the Ankara Declaration, which includes significant references to the Cyprus question. The document underlines the need to reach a negotiated, mutually acceptable and sustainable settlement based on the current realities on the island, while expressing support for efforts to secure the inherent equal rights of Turkish Cypriots, described as an inseparable part of the Turkic world.
The summit, held at the Beştepe Millet Exhibition Hall under the theme "Turkish Century: Unity in Language, Thought and Action," also recognised the valuable contributions of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, alongside Hungary and Turkmenistan, as observer states. The declaration reaffirmed the commitment to further strengthening the OTS as an increasingly influential platform contributing to regional and international peace and stability.
Noting that the strategic importance of Turkic unity and solidarity has grown at a time when trust in international cooperation is declining, the declaration encouraged the finalisation of the OTS 2027-2031 Strategy as the next phase of the Turkic World 2040 Vision. Progress on the draft Treaty on Strategic Partnership, Eternal Friendship and Brotherhood among Turkic States was also welcomed.
On global issues, the declaration called for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025) to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and urged a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Support for Syria's territorial integrity and reconstruction was reaffirmed, and joint efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan were pledged to continue.
In the security domain, member states committed to enhanced coordination against terrorism, cybercrime and organised crime. The declaration encouraged exploration of a Turkic Defence Industry College programme to be hosted by Türkiye and called for accelerated consultations on establishing an OTS Cybersecurity Council. On the economic front, streamlining customs procedures and boosting intra-regional trade were highlighted as key priorities.
