Kazakhstan President Tokayev spoke in favor of Russia's participation in the OTG Kazakh President Kassem-Jumart Tokayev proposed to invite Russia to cooperate with the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) or to grant it observer status.
He made this initiative on October 30, 2026 at the 13th UTC summit in Ankara, where Turkey officially took over the chairmanship of the organization from Azerbaijan. "In order to increase the organization's authority, it would be a correct and fair decision to support Russia's intention and invite it to join this format or participate in the UTC activity as an observer state. The head of Kazakhstan noted the cultural and historical context: Russia was connected to the Turkic world for hundreds of years, many Turkic peoples lived historically, there are many Turkic languages on its territory, and there are many Russian languages on its territory. As a great power, Russia has maintained close ties with the Turkic world for centuries: representatives of many Turkic peoples have historically lived on its territory," Tokayev noted. The President of Kazakhstan emphasized the importance of developing the "OTG plus" format, which allows expanding interaction with other countries. According to Tokayev, Russia's participation in the work of the association will benefit all participants. The mechanisms proposed by Tokayev for Russia's participation in the UTG are different: the "OTG plus" format provides cooperation with external partners, while the status of an observer state allows you to regularly participate in the activities of the organization, but without the right to make decisions on an equal basis with its full members. What does Tokayev's initiative solve? For Kazakhstan and its leader, Russia's involvement in the "OTG Plus" route solves four key tasks: reducing geopolitical tensions. Kazakhstan borders Russia (an ally in the CSTO and EAEU) and the countries of Turkey. The invitation of the Russian Federation will reduce the perception of the UTG as an "anti-Russian" or pan-Turkish bloc.