Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has called on Turkic states to strengthen their unity and cooperation, urging diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts and greater collective efforts to address the Palestinian issue.

Speaking at the 13th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), held in Ankara under the theme “Turkic Century: Unity in Language, Thought and Deed,” Erdoğan stressed that divisions and disagreements had no place among Turkic nations.

“There is no place for division, discord, or conflict in the family portrait of the Turkic world. We all stand as one and united, and, inshallah, we are brothers from time immemorial and for all eternity,” he said.

Erdoğan also expressed his expectation that the OTS would increase its engagement with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), highlighting the importance of strengthening ties with the Turkish Cypriot administration.

Welcoming Turkmenistan's contributions to the organization, the Turkish president called for the country to become a full member of the OTS as soon as possible.

“Under the dynamic leadership of my brother Serdar, we hope to see Turkmenistan as a full member of our family council as soon as possible,” he said, referring to Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Addressing regional security challenges, Erdoğan said lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus would create significant opportunities for countries across the region and the wider Turkic world.

He voiced support for ongoing contacts between Azerbaijan and Armenia, saying Türkiye would continue contributing to efforts aimed at achieving a lasting peace agreement.

“A South Caucasus where peace and stability prevail will offer significant opportunities not only to the countries of the region but also to the entire Turkic world,” he said.

Erdoğan also warned that regional conflicts carried consequences beyond the countries directly involved, disrupting the global economy, trade and energy markets.

Turning to developments in the Middle East, the Turkish president expressed hope that renewed tensions involving Iran would be resolved through diplomatic channels rather than military force.

He emphasized the importance of preventing further escalation, warning of the wider consequences of conflict for regional stability and international economic relations.

Erdoğan also called on Turkic countries to increase their efforts to secure a just solution to the Palestinian issue, describing it as an unresolved source of deep concern for the region.

“I am of the view that we, as Turkic states, should make greater efforts to find a just solution to the Palestinian issue, which remains a bleeding wound for us,” he said.

His remarks highlighted Ankara's call for stronger coordination among Turkic nations on regional and international issues, alongside closer political, economic and cultural cooperation within the OTS. (ILKHA)