The Alliance of Turkic States is becoming an economic power due to growth, energy resources, and trade connecting Europe and Asia, including China. This bloc, with its growth potential, rich resources, and young demographics, seeks closer cooperation with Brussels.
In an interview conducted during his visit to Brussels, Omuraliev noted that the Organization of Turkic States has significantly strengthened its position through joint activities in areas such as trade, agriculture, security, and technology. He emphasized that the combined GDP of Turkic countries currently stands at $2.1 trillion, while trade volume among them reaches $1.1 trillion.
Omuraliev also added that this economic growth is occurring with high dynamics.
According to him, most Turkic countries already have strategic relations with the European Union, and now is the time to advance this cooperation further, beyond bilateral agreements.
“Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, as the founders of our organization, create a stable link between the EU and Asia, including China. Each state in our alliance has its bilateral relations with the EU,” he explained.
The Secretary General also noted that the upcoming visit of Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Brussels on October 24 is a testament to the strengthening of bilateral relations. Omuraliev added that it is necessary to expand cooperation between the two blocs and in a multilateral format.
A New Route for Trade to Europe
Additionally, Omuraliev spoke about the importance of the Middle Corridor, which has become a priority for Turkic states. This transport and logistics network serves as an alternative to bypass conflict zones.
The Middle Corridor, which follows the historical Silk Road, connects Europe and Asia, including China, and is crucial for Turkic countries in developing their logistics infrastructure.
“This route, which we call the Middle Corridor, historically corresponds to the Great Silk Road. It passes through our states and observer countries,” noted Omuraliev.
The creation of the Middle Corridor was conceived even before the onset of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the current situation in the Middle East, and now it is becoming a reality. Moreover, this route is shorter and cheaper by 2000 kilometers compared to other paths between the EU and China.
Omuraliev emphasizes that Turkic states possess the third-largest energy resource reserves in the world and significant potential in renewable energy, which opens new opportunities for business with Europe.
The Organization of Turkic States includes Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan, while observers include Turkmenistan, Hungary, and Northern Cyprus.
