A ccording to its foreign policy strategy, Turkey takes steps to unite the Turkic-speaking countries around its axis, which are aimed at forming a common agenda not only in political, but also in cultural, educational, tourism and other spheres. In recent years, especially the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States (or just the Turkic Council) expands the areas of cooperation aimed at strengthening ties between the member states.  

A number of events took place within the framework of the Turkic Council in January-February, 2021. Particularly, for the first time the member states of the structure organized the Turkish World Meteorology Remote Forum, with the participation of Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov, the Vice President of Turkey Fuat Oktay, the ministers of Agriculture and Meteorology of the countries representing the structure and ambassadors. It’s worth noting, that Tajikistan, which is not a Turkic-speaking country and is not a member of the council, was also participating at the forum.

During the forum, Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Bekir Pakdemirli noted that in the coming years, together with the responsible ministries of meteorology of the member states they should develop ties in the fields of emergency management, as well as transport, natural resources and agriculture.

In this regard, he suggested the establishment of the Turkish World Meteorological Union, after which Turkey will provide Turkish-made technologies and software to member states to forecast and prevent natural disasters. He also stressed the need for the use of artificial intelligence in the field of meteorology and for joint projects in this direction between the Turkic-speaking states. Besides, the sides agreed to set up a working group, which should prepare a strategic document and scientific plan between the Turkic-speaking countries in the fields of meteorology and hydrology.

The first online meeting of the Energy Ministers of the Turkic Council member states was held on February 25. Turkic Council Energy Ministers discussed the issues on creating a favorable investment environment for the development of renewable energy resources and opportunities to exchange experience on advanced technologies in the field of energy. The member states of the council intend to develop cooperation in the oil and gas field, including the development of product supply routes of the council member states.

At a meeting with Secretary General of the Turkish Council Baghdad Amreyev in February, Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay stated that "Turkic Council Strategy 2020-2025 and the Turkic World  Vision2040" document will become an important roadmap for the deeper cooperation within the Turkic World.

According to Turkish official sources, with the above-mentioned document, the Turkic Council countries should act jointly on international issues, harmonize their economic policies and deepen cooperation in the fields of investments, digitalization, as well as military and defense industry.

According to the strategy, in the coming years the cooperation will be carried out in foreign policy, energy, tourism, health, agriculture, media, scientific-educational, sports and other fields, within the framework of medium and long-term projects.

It should be added, that the next summit of the Turkic Council will be held in Kazakhstan in March this year, where the steps to be taken in the above-mentioned fields will also be discussed.