Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is seeking to capitalize on the shifting balance of power stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

At a summit of Central Asian nations in Uzbekistan on Friday, he urged his counterparts to create a new free trade framework that makes better use of the Caspian Sea.

Erdogan was attending the Organization of Turkic States for the first time. The forum brings together countries that are culturally close to Turkey.

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said Central Asia faces serious challenges, apparently in reference to Russia's invasion. He also stressed the need to cooperate with Turkey.

Russia considers Central Asia to be within its sphere of influence. But some of the region's former Soviet republics are starting to distance themselves from Moscow.

Erdogan started strengthening ties with Central Asia before the invasion. Observers say he is now seeking to gain more regional clout.