Background on the Turkic States Organization (OTS)
The Turkic States Organization (OTS) is an intergovernmental body established in 2009 through the Najicheván Agreement in Azerbaijan. It aims to promote political, economic, and cultural integration among Turkic-speaking countries. Currently, the OTS comprises five member states: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. Hungary, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Northern Cyprus hold observer status.
Key Partnership: OTS and CIMMYT
During his working visit to Mexico, the Secretary-General of the OTS, Kubanichbek Omuraliev, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Center for Maize and Wheat Improvement (CIMMYT). This agreement aims to bolster agricultural innovation and cooperation within the Turkic region.
Objectives of the MoU
- Information Exchange: The MoU encourages the sharing of agricultural information, best practices, and joint research efforts.
- Focus on Crop Production: The agreement prioritizes the production of wheat and maize, crucial crops for food security in the region.
- Capacity Building: The MoU offers training programs for farmers and private sector technical personnel.
Impact on Turkic States and Mexico
Omuraliev emphasized that this collaboration will bring mutual benefits, enhancing food security and technological development in the Turkic states. He also highlighted that this agreement marks a new phase in Mexico-OTS relations, with growing economic and commercial ties between Mexico and Turkic states.
Expanding Cooperation
Beyond agriculture, the OTS seeks to strengthen cooperation in areas such as education, technological innovation, energy, and international trade. This expansion aims to increase the OTS’s presence and collaboration in Latin America.
Meetings with Mexican Officials
During his visit, Omuraliev held meetings with Mexican lawmakers and representatives from the Secretariats of Foreign Relations, Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, and the Mexican Agency for International Cooperation for Development (AMEXCID).
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Turkic States Organization (OTS)? The OTS is an intergovernmental organization promoting political, economic, and cultural integration among Turkic-speaking countries.
- Who are the member states of OTS? The OTS comprises Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan. Hungary, Turkmenistan, and the Republic of Northern Cyprus hold observer status.
- What is the purpose of the MoU between OTS and CIMMYT? The MoU aims to foster agricultural innovation, cooperation, and capacity building in the Turkic region, focusing on wheat and maize production.
- How will this agreement impact the Turkic states and Mexico? This collaboration is expected to enhance food security, technological development, and deepen economic ties between the Turkic states and Mexico.
