New Year Message of the OTS Secretary General

New Year Message of the OTS Secretary General
Esteemed Members, Observers and Friends of the Organization of Turkic States,
As we are on the eve of a New Year, I am honored to reflect on the remarkable journey we have undertaken together as a united Turkic community in 2023. The past year has been marked by notable achievements, collaborative efforts, and a shared commitment to the ideals that bind us as the Organization of Turkic States.
On the diplomatic front, we have navigated challenges with wisdom and cooperation, solidifying the Organization of Turkic States as a pillar of stability in an ever-changing world.
Under the dynamic chairmanship of Uzbekistan in 2023, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has witnessed a transformative year marked by heightened integration among its member and observer states. With the number of cooperation areas reaching a significant milestone of 30, the OTS has demonstrated its commitment to fostering collaboration across diverse fields. Over the past 12 months, the OTS has conducted a remarkable total of more than 110 events, spanning crucial sectors such as politics, trade, economy, transportation, ICT, customs, tourism, health, security, and education.
The crown jewel of our achievements, the 10th Jubilee Summit in Astana, marked a significant chapter in the Turkic World's journey. Under the resonating theme of "TURKTIME" and signing of the “Astana Act”, our leaders took a common stance toward global policies for the Turkic world. This motto, encapsulating traditions, unification, reforms, knowledge, trust, investments, mediation, and energy, now serves as the guiding principles for a transformative era, emphasizing unity, cooperation, and sustainable development.
The Summit also addressed major developments in our region. Expressing profound concern for the situation in Gaza, supporting sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, and celebrating the centenary of the Republic of Türkiye with pride, our leaders showcased not only regional responsibility but a commitment to justice and unity on the international stage.
This year, we also welcomed the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) as an Observer to the OTS. 
The Astana Declaration, comprising a comprehensive agenda, serves as a testament to our unified will across political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres and a guiding roadmap that will lead us into the future.
In the economic sphere, our collective efforts have borne fruit, fostering increased trade, investment, and economic resilience among our nations. Initiatives such as the Turkic Investment Fund and the TURANSEZ special economic zone have taken center stage, strengthening economic ties among Turkic States. The designation of Astana as the 2024 Turkic World Financial Center, followed by Istanbul in 2025, signals a new era of economic collaboration that will undoubtedly contribute to the prosperity of our nations.
Regrettably, 2023 brought moments of sorrow. Devoted to the theme of “Disaster-Emergency Management and Humanitarian Assistance,” the Extraordinary Ankara Summit organized right after the devastating earthquake disaster in southern and southeastern regions of Türkiye, served as a high-level platform where our countries have shown great solidarity and elaborated on solid multilateral cooperation and coordination mechanisms in the fight against disasters. To commemorate the solidarity of the Turkic World demonstrated during challenging times in Türkiye, the declaration of 6 February as the "Day of Remembrance of Disaster Victims and Solidarity" holds profound significance as a symbol of our shared strength in the face of adversity. 
We also bid farewell to two remarkable individuals for our Organization and the Turkic world: János Hóvári, the esteemed Executive Director of our Budapest Representation Office, and Bakhtiyor Sayfullayev, valuable Uzbek Member of our Council of Elders. Their legacies will always be cherished with gratitude. 
In a proactive push for enhanced international cooperation, I visited Vienna, Geneva, Brussels and Paris, actively engaging with EU, UN and its related agencies along with various international organizations. Notably, significant milestones were achieved in 2023, including the signing of memoranda of understanding with organizations namely UN Habitat, TİKA, and DEİK.
Collaboration within the Turkic World saw substantial growth in 2023. Under our coordination, we successfully harmonized the activities of key Turkic Cooperation Organizations, including TURKSOY, TURKPA, Turkic Academy, and TCHF The decision made during the Astana Summit to harmonize the flags of Turkic Cooperation Organizations underscores the cohesive front these entities present within the Turkic world.
Looking ahead to 2024, our ambitions are greater, and our commitment remains unwavering under the Kazakh Chairmanship of the Organization of Turkic States. Charting our course beyond 2024 and envisioning the year 2040, we strive for a more united and prosper Turkic World with a deepened economic landscape, flourishing cultural exchange, and fortified diplomatic cooperation. 
We welcome 2024 with optimism, determination, and a collective resolve to overcome challenges and embrace opportunities. May the New Year bring peace, prosperity, and success to each Member State and Observer of the Organization of Turkic States.

Wishing you all a joyous New Year!

Yeni İliniz Mübarək!
Жаңа жыл құтты болсын!
Жаңы жылыңар куттуу болсун!
Yeni Yılınız Kutlu Olsun!
Yangi Yilingiz muborak bo’lsin!
Boldog új évet!
Täze ýylyňyz gutly bolsun!

Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev
Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States