President Erdoğan: The Turkic world will define this century

2026-01-29 - 18:41

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has projected a vision of rising global influence for the Turkic world, stating it is poised to leave a significant mark on the current century. The Turkish leader made the remarks during a joint press conference in Ankara on Thursday with visiting Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, emphasizing unity and shared purpose among Turkic nations. Emphasis on Unity and Shared Destiny "As long as we stand heart to heart, God willing, we are confident we will leave the Turkish world’s mark on this century," President Erdoğan stated. The declaration underscores Türkiye's foreign policy focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural bonds across the Turkic world, viewing collective action as a path to greater international stature and development. Substantial Growth in Bilateral Trade with Uzbekistan Highlighting the practical outcomes of this partnership, President Erdoğan reported that trade volume between Türkiye and Uzbekistan has tripled over the past ten years. "I believe we will soon reach our new $5 billion target," he added, pointing to ambitious goals for further economic integration. This growth reflects deepening ties in areas such as investment, construction, and logistics between the two nations. Strategic Importance of Turkic Cooperation The high-level meeting and the expressed confidence reflect a strategic orientation in Turkish diplomacy. By fostering closer relations with Uzbekistan and other Turkic states through organizations like the Organization of Turkic States, Türkiye aims to enhance regional stability, create new economic corridors, and solidify a distinct geopolitical bloc. This approach aligns with Ankara's vision of positioning itself as a central power within its historical and cultural sphere of influence.