Bishkek, Oct. 20, 2026 /Kabar/. Numan Kurtulmuş, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye has called on Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to become full members of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA) in the near future. He made this statement during the 15th plenary session of the Assembly in Bishkek.
According to him, the absence of these two countries from the organization limits the full scope of parliamentary cooperation within the Turkic world.
"Frankly speaking, TURKPA is incomplete without Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. We want to see Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan among us as soon as possible," Kurtulmuş stated.
He emphasized that parliamentary engagement should be an integral part of the broader cooperation among Turkic states. In his view, TURKPA needs to coordinate its work with the Organization of Turkic States and other cooperative structures.
In his address, he also focused on the development of artificial intelligence and digital technologies. Kurtulmuş noted that artificial intelligence has moved beyond the confines of the technology sector, now impacting the economy, education, healthcare, and public administration.
He argued that Turkic states must not only keep pace with technological progress but also develop their own scientific and human resource potential, protect intellectual property, and establish legal and ethical standards for the use of new technologies. In this regard, he supported the idea of developing a model law on artificial intelligence within the framework of TURKPA (Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States) and establishing a common policy for the assembly’s member countries in this field.
"While supporting technological progress, we must simultaneously protect human dignity, fundamental rights and freedoms, and the rule of law," the Speaker of the Turkish Parliament emphasized.
He also proposed the development of joint large language models based on the shared cultural heritage of Turkic languages. According to him, this would strengthen the presence of Turkic languages in the digital space and enhance the technological capabilities of these nations. At the same time, Kurtulmuş drew attention to risks related to disinformation, fabricated content, and the security of electoral processes.
Discussing the prospects for cooperation, he noted the significant economic potential of the Turkic world. According to his figures, the combined population of the member and observer states of the Organization of Turkic States exceeds 180 million, with a total economic output of over $2.4 trillion.
Kurtulmuş underscored the need to strengthen trade and investment ties, develop logistics, ensure energy security, and expand digital connectivity.
Furthermore, he urged these countries to share their experiences regarding green transition, clean energy, and climate technologies. Turkiye is set to host a UN Climate Change Conference, which will take place in Antalya from November 9 to 20. As part of this event, a meeting organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union in cooperation with the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye is scheduled for November 16. Kurtulmuş invited his colleagues to participate.
In his address, he also spoke about Turkiye’s efforts to foster conditions for both the country and the region that are free from terrorism. According to him, a commission comprising representatives from various political parties was active within the country’s parliament and has prepared a report based on its discussions. Kurtulmuş expressed hope that the measures being taken will help strengthen peace and security, both in Turkiye and in neighboring states.
In closing, he noted that the 13th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States, scheduled for October 30 in Ankara, should contribute to further strengthening cooperation and advancing shared goals.
Kurtulmuş expressed his confidence that TURKPA will continue to play an important role in developing inter-parliamentary engagement and formulating joint solutions to pressing issues facing the Turkic world.
