The XII Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States, which has an exceptional role in the political, social and cultural history of the Turkic world, took place in the city of Gabala, Azerbaijan. The Summit hosted by Azerbaijan is not only a diplomatic event, but also an official confirmation of the great trust of our homeland and its head of state. In the current geopolitical landscape of the world, the expansion of relations between Turkic states and the strengthening of the Organization of Turkic States constitute one of the priority directions of Azerbaijan's foreign policy. Thus, the Organization of Turkic States is not only an expression of historical and cultural ties, but also a solid strategic roadmap of republics that determine their own future destiny against the backdrop of the geopolitical realities of the century we live in.

The theme of the Gabala Summit, "Regional peace and security", is the most basic requirement of our modern era. Because the geopolitical processes taking place in the world show that the principles of controlling humanity from a single center have not justified themselves. Therefore, the ideas of political and economic unity of the Turkic states are in line with the dictates of time.

It should also be noted that Azerbaijan's activity and role in this organization are very important for the Turkic world. Its favorable geographical location, natural resources, successful policy, and its ability to speak its mind on the world political stage have made Azerbaijan a leading state. The Republic of Azerbaijan, which restored its state borders with the 44-day Patriotic War and the Anti-Terrorist Operation, has become the main driving force of the Turkic world. With the far-sighted policy of Mr. President, Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan is the main locomotive of Turkish unity and the author of the political and ideological concept.

Mr. President Ilham Aliyev's opening speech at the Gabala Summit is very important in terms of mapping the future prospects of the Organization of Turkic States. The statement of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, "Today, the Organization of Turkic States is not only a cooperation platform, but also one of the serious geopolitical centers," confirms the influence of the great Turkic family on the socio-economic situation of the world and is a sign that a nation with very rich historical roots will play an important role in future world politics.

In his speech, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, expressed his views on the future prospects of the region and economic development, indicating that the Organization of Turkic States is based on a solid foundation. Mr. President, showing how great the economic position of Azerbaijan is, noted that "transport and communication relations are of strategic importance within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States. The work done to utilize the potential of the Turkic world in transport, communication, transit and other directions leads to the implementation of projects of global importance. Azerbaijan is an active participant in the east-west, north-south transport corridor. Our country plays the role of a bridge between Turkey and Central Asia in geographical, economic, transport and other areas". With these words, our country's leader wants to show that Azerbaijan has now become one of the countries that plays an important role not only in the Turkic-Muslim world, but also in world geopolitics.

At the initiative of the President of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, the Organization of Turkic States is today a model of identity for the Turkic family. The concepts of economic integration and political ideological unity have become a factor proving the strength of the organization. The fact that Azerbaijan currently leads the organization shows that our country has political and economic power in the region and the world.

Rahim Hasanov

Head of the Department of History and Epigraphy of Sheki Regional Scientific Center of ANAS,

Doctor of Philosophy in History