Turkic-speaking peoples live in different states, but they are one nation, according to Turkey's Foreign Minister, Ahmet Davutoglu.
Davutoglu made the remarks at a foreign ministers meeting held in Turkish city of Bodrum as part of the 4th Summit of the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States, Anadolu news agency reported on June 4.
"Our peoples, governments and the entire world are witnessing the fact that the Turkic-speaking peoples are one nation, even though they live in different states," Davutoglu stressed.
He went on to add that the ties, consisting of a common language, religion, history, culture, and based on shared values, closely link these fraternal peoples.
Regarding the summit's topic dedicated to tourism, Davutoglu said the significance attached to tourism is related not only to economic goals.
"Tourism will develop relations between the peoples and will make it possible to revive cultural ties. At the same time, tourism will contribute to the cooperation between us," the minister said.
Davutoglu added that the summit is being held amid dynamic changes in the region and the world.
"At such moments, it is very important to coordinate our cooperation. Last month, we often met with the Turkic-speaking states' representatives both in bilateral and in multilateral formats. Last 15 days may have been a period when we met frequently," the minister said.
Davutoglu also stressed that the Cooperation Council of Turkic-Speaking States is not directed against any country or bloc.