Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on September 1, 2026, as Türkiye continued its diplomatic engagement with countries across Central Asia and the wider Eurasian region.

According to Türkiye’s Directorate of Communications, Erdoğan was welcomed by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov before joining other participating leaders for the summit.

Meeting with Azerbaijan’s President

During his visit to Bishkek, Erdoğan also held a bilateral meeting with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the two leaders to discuss bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments.

Türkiye has maintained close political and economic relations with Azerbaijan, with cooperation extending across energy, transportation, trade and regional connectivity.

Türkiye strengthens Central Asian engagement

Erdoğan’s participation in the SCO gathering comes as Türkiye seeks to strengthen its role in relations between Europe, Central Asia and Asia.

The Turkish president’s visit to Kyrgyzstan began on August 31 and included participation in the opening of the World Nomad Games before the SCO summit.

Türkiye’s geographic position gives it a strategic connection between European and Asian markets, while its membership in organizations such as the Organization of Turkic States provides additional channels for cooperation with Central Asian countries.

Broader diplomatic agenda

The summit also gives Türkiye an opportunity to exchange views with other participating governments on international and regional issues.

Ankara has increasingly emphasized economic cooperation, transportation links, energy security and diplomatic dialogue as part of its engagement with Eurasian countries.

Erdoğan’s meetings on the sidelines of major international gatherings have become an important part of Türkiye’s foreign-policy strategy, allowing Ankara to discuss bilateral relations alongside wider regional developments.

Türkiye highlights strategic position

The Turkish government has repeatedly presented the country as a bridge between East and West.

Participation in the SCO summit reinforces that approach by bringing Türkiye into direct contact with leaders from Central Asia and other parts of Eurasia.

For Ankara, stronger engagement with the region could create additional opportunities in trade, investment, infrastructure, energy and transportation while expanding diplomatic cooperation.

Erdoğan’s latest visit therefore represents another important step in Türkiye’s effort to deepen ties with Central Asian partners and maintain an active role in regional diplomacy.