Organization of Turkic States (OTS) Finds Compromise Format for Cooperation with Russia and China

The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has officially launched OTS+ — a new cooperation platform designed for interaction with non-member states and organizations through flexible, project-oriented mechanisms.

This format marks a diplomatic achievement, enabling the OTS to develop international partnerships while alleviating Russian and Chinese concerns about exclusive regional alliances.

The Gabala Declaration established the principles of OTS+: openness, pragmatism, and inclusivity. Instead of creating new political alliances, the format invites third countries to cooperate in trade, transport, logistics, energy, and digital transformation. Member states have agreed that any external actors from Europe, the Middle East, or East Asia can participate in specific projects without cultural or military obligations.

The OTS+ format gives the bloc expanded opportunities for external engagement, similar to ASEAN's "plus" arrangements, creating pathways for collaboration with the EU, Gulf states, Japan, and India. This positions the OTS as a bridge between Europe and Asia, connecting various transport and energy corridors.
The new format allows non-member countries to participate in key initiatives such as the Trans-Caspian (Middle) Corridor, the Zangezur Corridor, and "green" energy corridors.

MONGOLIA AND THE NEW DIPLOMATIC FRAMEWORK

Mongolia will likely be one of the first participants in OTS+, as it actively develops political and cultural contacts with Turkic states but cannot qualify for full membership due to language criteria.

The OTS+ model gives Ulaanbaatar an opportunity to cooperate in infrastructure, trade, and culture without political complications. Mongolia's interest in the Turkic Investment Fund, TURKSOY, and the Turkic Academy fits organically into the OTS+ mechanisms, allowing participation at the observer level or by sectors.

The flexible nature of the format is also attractive to other neighboring countries — Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Ukraine, Russia, China, and even Moldova, each of which can use OTS+ to connect their economic and transport initiatives with the Turkic world.

This framework provides the OTS with a diplomatic tool to respond to regional skepticism: instead of rivalry, it offers cooperation and engagement.

GLOBAL SIGNIFICANCE OF OTS+

The launch of OTS+ transforms the organization from a cultural association into a pragmatic integrator. The new format enhances the potential of Turkic states to coordinate infrastructure financing, diversify transport corridors (reducing dependence on traditional transport projects), and attract investment through project-based interaction.

In geopolitical terms, OTS+ becomes a "compromise format," offering cooperation instead of confrontation and strengthening the organization's role as a stabilizing, rules-based center of power in Eurasia.

Source: https://t.me/nightingale_int/1073