Mirvohid Azimov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, has been officially appointed the new Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTG). The decision was made by the Council of Heads of State during the 13th OTG summit in Ankara, Dunyo.info reported.
In this position, the diplomat replaces Kubanychbek Omuraliev, the representative of Kyrgyzstan, who headed the secretariat since November 2022. Azimov previously served as Deputy Secretary General of the OTG, overseeing political, transport, and economic cooperation.
Kubanychbek Omuraliev's tenure (2022–2026) was marked by a significant transformation of the OTG from a consultative forum into a full-fledged international organization with clear economic mechanisms. During his tenure, the Turkic Investment Fund with an authorized capital of $500 million was launched, the Agreement on the Simplification of the Customs Corridor was signed, and the portfolio of joint transport and logistics initiatives along the Middle Corridor was expanded. The former Secretary-General also played a key role in institutionalizing meetings of relevant ministers and intensifying dialogue with external partners in Asia and Europe.
The appointment of an Uzbek diplomat to a key post in the Uzbek Territory reflects Tashkent's growing influence in regional diplomacy and the institutional strengthening of the Turkic bloc. Uzbekistan's pragmatic approach to economic integration, digitalization of logistics, and the removal of trade barriers will ensure the Secretary-General accelerates the implementation of the "Turkic World 2040" Strategy.
The leadership change coincided with the transition of the organization's chairmanship to Turkey, creating favorable conditions for accelerating infrastructure projects and implementing the decisions of the Ankara Summit.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
October 30, 2026