Turkish and Central Asian officials on Wednesday highlighted growing strategic cooperation in trade, energy, connectivity and technology as the Central Asia-Türkiye Forum opened in Ankara amid shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics.
The forum, organized by the Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research (SETA), the International Institute for Central Asia and Hasan Kalyoncu University under the theme “A Shared Future in a Changing World,” brought together policymakers, diplomats and academics from Türkiye and Central Asia.
Speaking at the opening session, SETA Foreign Policy Research Director Murat Yeşiltaş said the international system is undergoing a period of profound transformation, making dialogue among reliable partners increasingly important.
“Relations between Türkiye and Central Asia are not merely the result of geopolitical calculations,” Yeşiltaş said, emphasizing the role of shared history, culture and heritage in shaping cooperation.
He noted that the region has become increasingly central to global connectivity, energy security, transportation corridors, supply chains and regional stability.
