QAZAQ GREEN. On 10 December, Istanbul hosted the fifth meeting of Energy Ministers of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS). Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Bakytzhan Ilyas, delivered opening remarks, underscoring the strategic importance of strengthening energy cooperation among Turkic countries, the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan reported.

He noted that meetings of OTS energy ministers have evolved into a permanent platform for addressing key sectoral challenges and advancing both bilateral and multilateral cooperation. Discussions focused on medium-term priorities, including renewable and alternative energy, the use of fossil fuels, hydrogen energy development, energy conservation and efficiency, as well as digital transformation and cyber-physical security.

Bakytzhan Ilyas emphasised the need to diversify energy routes, attract investment, and deploy advanced technologies. He highlighted Kazakhstan’s progress in major projects, including the commissioning of the Rozhkovskoye oil and gas field and the construction of a combined-cycle gas turbine power plant in Kyzylorda in partnership with Turkish companies.

The Deputy Minister also stressed the importance of a fair energy transition that reflects national specificities of OTS member states while balancing economic growth, social stability, and environmental responsibility. Key priorities include experience sharing, development of expert platforms, support for green investment, and training of skilled personnel.

Special attention was given to energy digitalisation, smart grid deployment, the industrial Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and cyber resilience. In this context, Bakytzhan Ilyas proposed establishing a joint expert centre for digital energy transformation within the OTS to coordinate efforts in these areas.

In closing, he stated that joint initiatives by OTS member states provide a solid foundation for advancing regional energy policy, strengthening energy security, and improving overall sector efficiency.

During the visit, Deputy Minister Bakytzhan Ilyas also held talks with Turkey’s Deputy Minister of Energy, Ahmet Çonkar. The discussions focused on expanding bilateral energy cooperation, with both sides noting the successful implementation of joint projects and the active involvement of Turkish companies in Kazakhstan’s oil and gas and power sectors.

The parties highlighted priorities such as renewable energy development, deployment of advanced technologies, attracting investment, and enhancing the stability and reliability of regional energy supplies. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation through bilateral initiatives and multilateral platforms, including the Organisation of Turkic States.