Photo: OTS
20/07/2025 12:42
Since its establishment in 2009, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has gained international recognition as an intergovernmental organization dedicated to fostering extensive cooperation among its Member and Observer States across a broad range of shared interests.
What sets the OTS apart is that it is more than just a platform for economic cooperation, trade, or regional integration. It is rooted in a much deeper foundation—one shaped by centuries of shared history, a common language, rich cultural heritage, and enduring traditions. The OTS is not merely a strategic alliance; it is a bond forged in trust, solidarity, and a collective vision for the future.
With the admission of Hungary as Observer in 2018, the OTS widened its scope in enhancing cooperation between the Turkic States and European Institutions by undertaking bold endeavors in a wide range of fields, as well as, striving for the revival of the Turkic-Hungarian heritage in Europe.
Hungary's "Eastern Opening" strategy, launched in 2010, marked a pivotal shift in the country's foreign policy. Far from being merely symbolic, this strategy has yielded concrete outcomes. Hungary has forged strategic partnership agreements with all five member states of the OTS, agreements that go beyond diplomatic formalities and stand as a testament to Hungary's sustained commitment to long-term, multifaceted collaboration with the Turkic world.
In a remarkably short span of time, Hungary and member states reciprocally has opened embassies demonstrating the commitment to deepening bilateral ties. A landmark achievement in this partnership was the opening of the OTS Representation Office in Budapest—symbolizing Hungary’s role as a bridge between the Turkic region and Europe.
In addition to actively participating in the OTS meeting and activities organized in other Member States and Observers, Hungary has been hosting lots of such OTS initiatives in its capital and elsewhere in the country.
Since the Bishkek Summit in 2024, Hungary has successfully organized a range of impactful gatherings, including the 1st Informal Meeting of the Heads of Customs Authorities, the 2nd Meeting of the Heads of Competition Authorities, the 16th Meeting of the Council of Elders, the Hungarian-Turkic Summit on Culture, Education and Innovation, and a high-level event hosted by the Danube Institute in Budapest, titled "The Organization of Turkic States and Hungary in the New Emerging World Order." And most recently, Hungary proudly hosted the Informal Summit of the OTS Heads of State and Government in Budapest—marking the first-ever summit held on the territory of an Observer State.
As a member of the European Union, Hungary plays a pivotal role in expanding the OTS–EU dialogue. In this regard, the signing of the Joint Work Plan in 2024 between the OTS and the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade marked a historic step toward institutionalizing relations with the EU.
Due to his unwavering commitment to the advancement of cooperation with the Turkic World and the OTS, the Prime Minister of Hungary H.E. Viktor Orbán was awarded with the Supreme Order of the Turkic World at the Bishkek Summit in 2024, an Order which was granted to the Heads of State of the OTS for their contributions to the Turkic cooperation.
The historical and cultural ties between Hungary and the Turkic world are both profound and enduring. Hungary's ancient bonds with the Kipchaks, along with the legacy of Attila the Hun, are not merely elements of regional folklore but also serve as a shared historical thread that unites our peoples.
It is no coincidence that many words in the Hungarian language resonate with those across Turkic languages, a testament to centuries of cultural exchange. Even in the heart of Budapest, one can find monuments and statues of warriors strikingly similar to those in Central Asia—serving as a vivid reminder of our shared nomadic heritage, values of courage, and reverence for history. These cultural intersections form the bedrock of the mutual respect and understanding that continue to strengthen our ties today.
The Turkic region, home to 175 million people and covering 4.5 million square kilometers, offers tremendous opportunities for trade and investment. In 2024, our combined GDP exceeded $2.1 trillion, making this a large and growing market. According to the results of 2024, OTS countries’ combined trade turnover was $1.1 trillion USD.
Hungary’s economic ties with the OTS countries have grown steadily, with the annual trade has reached to 6 billion USD. Budapest now plays an active role in regional energy networks—it is the first non-neighboring country to import natural gas from Türkiye and has also engaged in energy cooperation with Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.
A particularly significant milestone was Hungary’s accession to the Turkic Investment Fund in 2024 with a $100 million contribution. This underscores Hungary’s commitment to advancing regional development, especially in infrastructure, innovation, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Our geographic position is a key strength: we lie at the heart of Eurasia. The revival of the Silk Road, through initiatives like the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route and the Middle Corridor, has transformed the OTS region into a crucial trade link between Asia and Europe. Hungary’s active participation in these routes is both a strategic and welcomed development.
As the global economy increasingly pivots toward connectivity and resilience, the Turkic world—working hand in hand with partners like Hungary—can offer solutions that are inclusive, innovative, and sustainable.
Beyond economics, Hungary has become an important partner in education and culture. Through the Stipendium Hungaricum program, it offers scholarships to students from OTS member states. Last year, more than 5,000 students applied for admission to Hungarian universities, reflecting the growing interest of young people in educational opportunities in Hungary.
Hungary also plays a significant role in environmental projects within the OTS. Budapest is home to the OTS Drought Prevention Institute, which has already launched field missions in member states to assist in combating water shortages and climate change.
In recognition of these unique historic and cultural ties, the Informal Summit of the Heads of State and Government was held in Budapest on 21 May 2025, at the invitation of H.E. Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary. This occasion marked another milestone in the history of the OTS as holding the distinct honor of being the first summit convened on the territory of an OTS observer state. The Budapest Summit as a momentous occasion brought together leaders of our Member and Observer states to reaffirm our collective vision.
The Budapest Declaration, signed on the sidelines of the Informal Summit, underscored comprehensive roadmap for deepening cooperation in key areas, including economic integration, technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and regional security. The declaration also underlines commitment to fostering inclusive growth, addressing shared challenges, and enhancing the global role of the Turkic-Hungarian World.
Over the past 15 years, the OTS has made significant progress in strengthening unity, enhancing cooperation, and promoting sustainable development among its member states and observers.
We remain dedicated to deepening regional ties, advancing economic integration, accelerating digital transformation, and safeguarding environmental sustainability and security.
Through these collective efforts, the Turkic world is emerging not only as a geographical region, but as a dynamic economic force, a hub of innovation, and a model for regional collaboration.
This special issue offers a great chance for readers to better understand the scope and degree of Hungary's collaboration with the Organization of Turkic States, our traditional partnership. We are pleased to offer thought-provoking remarks from the Foreign Ministers of our Member States, whose views shed light on our common goals and strategic vision. The OTS family continues to be dedicated to innovation, integration, and cooperation in the face of shared challenges as we confront the realities of our modern era. In addition to celebrating together the accomplishments, I hope this publication will also serve as a reminder of our shared vision of a Turkic World that is stronger, more connected, and more prosperous.
