Turkic States Discuss Creating TÜRKPOL and a Schengen-Like System
World
Türkiye has proposed creating TÜRKPOL, a joint law-enforcement structure for the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) to combat transnational crime. The initiative has received support from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan. At the same time, the countries are discussing ways to simplify travel for their citizens, including a possible Schengen-like system.
The third meeting of the interior ministers of the OTS member states was held in Astana. The participants signed a communiqué and a declaration aimed at strengthening cooperation against transnational crime.
The agenda included joint efforts to locate fugitives, as well as measures against cybercrime, terrorism, extremism, illegal migration, human trafficking and illegal gambling. Türkiye proposed establishing TÜRKPOL on the basis of a planned OTS Council for Combating Crime.
Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi said a joint police structure could provide an additional impetus for cooperation in combating international crime. The participants also discussed a draft agreement on establishing a specialized Council for Combating Crime.
Cross-border mobility was another key issue. OTS countries are considering separate passport-control points at airports for citizens of member states. The initiative is intended to simplify border procedures and create a more integrated space for free movement across the Turkic world.
Kazakhstan and Türkiye signed a readmission agreement establishing procedures for returning people who lack legal grounds to remain in the country. Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan also signed an agreement on cooperation in combating crime.
Experts say simplified movement could create additional opportunities for tourism, education, business and labor mobility, while requiring greater coordination of migration and visa policies. The fourth meeting of the OTS interior ministers is scheduled to take place in Türkiye in 2027.
The agenda included joint efforts to locate fugitives, as well as measures against cybercrime, terrorism, extremism, illegal migration, human trafficking and illegal gambling. Türkiye proposed establishing TÜRKPOL on the basis of a planned OTS Council for Combating Crime.
Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi said a joint police structure could provide an additional impetus for cooperation in combating international crime. The participants also discussed a draft agreement on establishing a specialized Council for Combating Crime.
Cross-border mobility was another key issue. OTS countries are considering separate passport-control points at airports for citizens of member states. The initiative is intended to simplify border procedures and create a more integrated space for free movement across the Turkic world.
Kazakhstan and Türkiye signed a readmission agreement establishing procedures for returning people who lack legal grounds to remain in the country. Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan also signed an agreement on cooperation in combating crime.
Experts say simplified movement could create additional opportunities for tourism, education, business and labor mobility, while requiring greater coordination of migration and visa policies. The fourth meeting of the OTS interior ministers is scheduled to take place in Türkiye in 2027.
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