ANKARA, October 30. /Dunyo IA/.  On the eve of the 13^th  Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) to be held in Ankara, Turkish scholars, experts, and public figures shared their views with Dunyo IA on the cooperation of Turkic states, in particular on the fraternal relations between Uzbekistan and Türkiye.

Professor İlyas Topsakal, Member of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye and Deputy Chairman of the Committee on National Education, Culture, Youth and Sport:

- Uzbekistan occupies an important place in the historical, spiritual, and cultural development of not only Central Asia but the entire Turkic world. The traditions of science, literature and enlightenment formed in Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva have exerted a significant influence on the development of the civilization of the Turkic peoples.

A profound study of the impact of Maveraunnahar's scientific heritage on Anatolia and the culture of the Ottoman Empire will help us better understand our shared history.

Along with preserving the historical heritage, it is important to transform it into a foundation for modern cooperation. Expanding ties between Uzbekistan and Türkiye in the fields of education, science, culture, and trade-economic interaction, as well as strengthening cooperation with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and other countries of the region, will contribute to the development of transport, trade and the economy.

By strengthening connections between universities, scientific centers, and representatives of the intelligentsia, and by implementing joint projects, the potential of the Turkic world on the international arena can be further enhanced.

Professor Ruhi Ersoy, Rector of the Ahmed Javad Research Institute:

- Development of cooperation within the OTS framework opens up important opportunities for raising the historical and spiritual closeness of the brotherly peoples to a new level.

Mutual trust between the leaders of Uzbekistan and Türkiye contributes to the strengthening of political dialogue and the expansion of trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian ties.

Uzbekistan occupies a special place in the common historical heritage of the Turkic world due to the traditions of science and enlightenment formed in ancient cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. Preserving this heritage and transmitting it to future generations is our common task.

Within the OTS framework, the development of transport and trade corridors, increasing the volume of investments, implementing joint projects in the field of education and science and expanding tourism and cultural exchange are of great importance.

By combining historical closeness with modern economic opportunities, the Turkic states can develop a long-term strategic partnership aimed at improving the welfare of their peoples.

Aynur Öz Özcan, Professor of the Department of Uzbek Linguistics at Ankara University in Türkiye:

- As a specialist teaching the Uzbek language at Ankara University for nearly 35 years, I perceive the participation of the President of Uzbekistan in the summit with great joy. This visit reflects the closeness of the two states and their shared cultural heritage.

Economic potential, demographic capabilities, and rich cultural heritage of Uzbekistan are of great importance for the development of cooperation within the OTS framework.

Approval of the candidacy of the representative of Uzbekistan for the position of the Secretary General of the organization will also create new opportunities for coordinating shared initiatives and implementing joint projects.

Heritage of such great figures as Alisher Navoiy and Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur is a common spiritual asset of all Turkic peoples.

Promoting the Uzbek language and literature, strengthening interuniversity cooperation and expanding exchanges of students and scholars will contribute to strengthening the closeness between our peoples. Decisions made within the framework of the summit should serve the welfare of the peoples, regional stability and common development.

Kemal Kurnaz, Chairman of the Turkic World Civil Society Cooperation Association (TÜRKSİT):

- Uzbekistan is a symbol of a great history, a rich spiritual heritage, and a brotherhood that has been formed over the centuries. Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Fergana, along with the heritage of Bahauddin Naqshband, Imam Maturidi, Alisher Navoiy and Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur, occupy an important place in the common cultural memory of the entire Turkic world.

Operations of more than 2.2 thousand companies with the participation of Turkish capital in Uzbekistan demonstrate the scale of economic ties between the two countries. Such cooperation contributes to creating new jobs and improving the qualifications of specialists.

Along with interstate agreements, it is necessary to expand direct contacts between entrepreneurs, scientists, figures of culture and art, as well as youth.

Promoting the Uzbek language and literature in Türkiye and the Turkish language and culture in Uzbekistan, alongside developing educational and cultural exchanges, are of great importance. Sincere relations between our peoples are the foundation of a lasting brotherhood.

Professor Mehmet Seyfettin Erol, President of the Ankara Center for Crisis and Policy Studies (ANKASAM), Professor:

- The 13^th OTS Summit in Ankara represents an important opportunity to strengthen trust and cooperation among Turkic countries in conditions of global instability and geopolitical competition.

Close relations between Uzbekistan and Türkiye are of significance not only for bilateral interaction but also for the stability and development of the entire Turkic world.

Initiatives of Uzbekistan aimed at developing regional dialogue and expanding international cooperation contribute to increasing the efficiency of OTS activities.

In the future work of the organization, transport and logistics, trade, energy, and digital technologies should become priority areas. Expanding the capabilities of the Middle Corridor, simplifying customs procedures and developing digital infrastructure will strengthen economic ties.

At the same time, it is necessary to pay attention to cooperation in the fields of education, science, environmental diplomacy, and cultural exchange. Experience of Uzbekistan in strengthening peace and good-neighborliness in Central Asia, as well as in addressing environmental problems, is in demand and can be useful to the Turkic states.

Most importantly, it is essential to ensure the achievement of common goals through concrete plans, coordinated actions and practical results.

Halit Hamzaoğlu, Associate Professor of International Relations at Kafkas University:

- The 13^th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) represents a significant opportunity to elevate the cooperation among Turkic countries to a new level.

Established in 2009, the organization today not only strengthens cultural affinity but also develops practical interaction in the spheres of transport, energy, trade, and digital technologies. The full accession of Uzbekistan to the organization in 2019 has further enhanced its potential.

Strategic geographical location of Uzbekistan, its economic capabilities, and its commitment to developing cooperation with all member states create broad prospects for implementing joint initiatives. To achieve this, it is necessary to convert the existing potential into tangible economic results.

In particular, the development of the Middle Corridor, modernization of transport infrastructure, the digitalization of customs procedures, and the harmonization of technical standards will contribute to strengthening trade ties.

Proposals of the President of Uzbekistan on establishing a mechanism for cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence and developing the “Digital Turkic Corridor” concept are also of vital importance. Substantiating them with practical projects will contribute to the development of cybersecurity, electronic customs and joint scientific research."

Naci Yengin, Expert at the Center for Historical and Strategic Studies of the Turkic World (TARSAM):

- Historical affinity, a shared culture, and common spiritual values lie at the core of relations between Uzbekistan and Türkiye.

Following the declaration of Uzbekistan's independence in 1991, the relationship between the two nations reached a new level. Türkiye became one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Uzbekistan, and the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992 created a solid foundation for cooperation.

Affinity between our peoples is also manifested in language, traditions, and literary heritage. Therefore, it is vital to expand cooperation between universities, research centers, and cultural institutions, as well as to develop joint research and academic exchanges.

The demographic potential of Uzbekistan, its natural resources, and its strategic geographical location open up broad opportunities for cooperation within the framework of the OTS.

Development of ties in the spheres of tourism, construction, energy, trade, education, and technology will allow the economic capabilities of the two countries to be combined. The primary task of the organization is to enrich historical and cultural affinity with practical cooperation.

Professor Necdet Ünüvar, Rector of Ankara University:

"Historical roots, shared values, and a sincere brotherhood uniting our peoples lie at the core of relations between Uzbekistan and Türkiye.

During my visit to Khiva, Urgench, Bukhara, Samarkand and Tashkent, I felt this affinity even more deeply. I was particularly impressed by the courtesy of the youth of Uzbekistan, their culture of communication and their respect for national values. The proximity of our languages also plays an important role in mutual understanding between the nations.

Today, it is necessary to expand cooperation in the fields of education, science, culture, and youth exchanges. Conducting joint research between Ankara University and higher educational institutions of Uzbekistan, as well as developing student and faculty exchanges, open up new opportunities.

Our university is ready to strengthen ties with the Turkic world, particularly with Uzbekistan, in these areas. Our shared future depends on the further development of mutual trust and brotherhood.

Speaking of the OTS Summit, I believe that this meeting will enrich the historical and cultural affinity of the brotherly countries with concrete areas of practical cooperation.

Most importantly, the strategic partnership and common goals within the framework of the OTS will contribute to the further development and prosperity of all our peoples.