THE 15TH MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF ELDERS OF THE ORGANIZATION OF TURKIC STATES WAS HELD IN ASHGABAT

At the meeting organized by the national leader of Turkmenistan Aksakali Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Turkey was represented by Chairman of the Council of Elders Binali Yildirim.

The meeting was attended by Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States Kubanichbek Omuraliev, as well as elders from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Hungary.

Speaking at the meeting, Binali Yildirim noted that OTG has great potential and stated that the Eurasian region unites East and West. Yildirim stated that OTG does not pose a threat to anyone, and noted that resources should be used to strengthen peace, tranquility and prosperity in the region, and not for wars.

In his speech, Yildirim touched upon the topic of the Ukrainian-Russian war and stated that there would be no winners in the war. Yildirim said that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinians and that the world remains silent in the face of this situation.

Yildirim also said that the war in Ukraine and the Palestinian issue have made the middle corridor much more important, and said that trade in the Eurasian region covers sixty percent of the global economy. He noted that trade in the region benefits not only the member countries of the organization, but also Asia as a whole. He noted that OTG should contribute to the transportation of natural gas resources to Europe through the Caucasus and Anatolia.

Stating that OTG has expanded cooperation in 20 different areas, from trade to transport, from economy to cultural activities in accordance with the vision of 2040, Binali Yildirim added that the Turkish Investment Fund has recently reached the stage of creation with the aim of increasing prosperity and encouraging industry in the region where development is needed.

It was stated at the meeting that the great Turkmen poet Makhtumkulu Firaki, whose 300th birthday was celebrated, was marked by many events throughout the Turkic world.