Uzbek representative Mirvohid Azimov began his duties as Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) on November 11. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during a working visit to Turkey, received the new chief and discussed his priorities, Uzbekistan's multifaceted cooperation with the organization and preparations for the OTS summit to be held in Uzbekistan in 2027. The president's press service reported the meeting.
Key Takeaways: Azimov was appointed Secretary General at the 13th OTS summit in Ankara on October 30 and became the first Uzbek representative to hold the post. He formally started on November 11; the talks focused on preparing the 2027 summit in Uzbekistan and enriching the organization's agenda.
Azimov's appointment reflects Uzbekistan's consistent policy of strengthening its engagement within the OTS and deepening regional integration. He previously served as deputy foreign minister of Uzbekistan and deputy secretary general of the OTS, giving him experience with the organization's institutional mechanisms, coordination among member states and summit preparation. For Uzbekistan, the appointment is more than symbolic: with the country expected to host the 2027 summit, its representative in the secretary general's post will be directly involved in coordinating the organization's work.
At the meeting, President Mirziyoyev outlined the priorities facing the new secretary general and reviewed prospects for further developing the OTS. In particular, the discussion covered holding the 2027 summit in Uzbekistan at a high organizational level, enriching its agenda and ensuring the event's practical results. According to the available information, Azimov was confirmed at the October 30 Ankara summit; he is expected to become a key link in implementing high-level decisions and expanding cooperation among member states.
The OTS is a regional structure aimed at expanding cooperation among Turkic-speaking states in trade and economic ties, transport and logistics, energy, cultural and humanitarian affairs and security. Strengthening Uzbekistan's role in the organization matters for deepening Central Asian connectivity, developing transport corridors and reinforcing regional stability. Having an Uzbek representative as secretary general broadens opportunities to promote national initiatives, build trust among members and improve the organization's efficiency. At the same time, responsibility for the organizational and substantive preparation of the upcoming summit increases.
At the end of the meeting, Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated Mirvohid Azimov on his new post and wished him success as OTS secretary general. Attention is now expected to focus on forming a road map for the 2027 summit, strengthening coordination with member states and enriching the organization's practical agenda. Among Azimov's first official steps may be organizing the work of the secretariat and launching consultations with members on priority areas.
Source: kun.uz