The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) stands as a testament to the power of unity, shared history, and strategic cooperation. In just 15 years, the OTS has evolved from a vision into a fully-fledged international entity, gaining recognition as a key player in regional and global affairs. What began with the signing of the Nakhchivan Agreement in 2009 has since expanded into a robust mechanism for fostering political, economic, and cultural collaboration among Turkic nations.
From Vision to Reality
The journey of the OTS reflects the aspirations of its member states to create a framework of cooperation rooted in common heritage and values. While the modern institutionalization of Turkic cooperation began in 2009, its origins can be traced back to the early 1990s, when the first Summits of the Leaders of Turkic-Speaking States laid the groundwork for integration.
The OTS has currently 5 Member States and 4 Observers. This broader participation has reinforced the organization's ability to influence regional and global developments. The OTS is now engaged in more than 35 fields, from foreign policy and trade to digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and environmental sustainability.
But what makes the OTS truly unique is its foundation—not merely a political or economic alliance but a brotherhood bound by centuries of shared history, language, and traditions. The spirit of mutual support and solidarity fuels its progress, ensuring that cooperation among the Turkic States is not just transactional but deeply rooted in common heritage and a collective vision to build the future.
The 11th Bishkek Summit: A Turning Point
The latest milestone in this journey was the 11th Summit of the OTS, held in Bishkek under the theme “Empowering the Turkic World: Economic Integration, Sustainable Development, Digital Future, and Security for All”. This gathering underscored the OTS’s commitment to addressing contemporary challenges and defining strategic priorities for the Turkic World.
Among the most significant outcomes was the adoption of the Bishkek Declaration, a comprehensive document outlining key areas for future cooperation in fields such as economy, digitalization, environmental sustainability, and security. Groundbreaking agreements were signed, including:
• The Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) – enhancing digital trade and connectivity;
• The Civil Protection Mechanism Agreement – strengthening joint disaster response efforts;
• A Memorandum of Understanding on Space-Related Activities – paving the way for collaborative projects in space technology;
• The Turkic Green Finance Council – supporting sustainable economic growth and green investments;
• The Council of Central (National) Banks of Turkic States – deepening financial integration.
Additionally, the designation of Bishkek as the Digital Capital of the Turkic World for 2025 reinforced the commitment of the OTS to digital transformation and technological progress. To further enhance digital connectivity across the region, the OTS is focusing on initiatives such as fintech solutions, e-governance systems, artificial intelligence development, and cross-border digital trade facilitation. These efforts aim to strengthen the digital economy, improve public services, and drive innovation among member states.
Another historic moment at the Summit was the presentation of the “Supreme Order of the Turkic World” to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, recognizing Hungary’s pivotal role in fostering OTS cooperation. Hungary’s engagement with the Turkic world has extended beyond economic and political ties, reflecting a deep cultural and historical connection.
Expanding Economic Cooperation
Economic collaboration has been a cornerstone of the OTS’s strategy. While the combined external trade volume of the OTS members and observers exceeds $1.1 trillion, intra-OTS trade currently accounts for only 7%—a figure that must grow significantly. The goal is to significantly increase intra-OTS trade to 10% in the near future by eliminating barriers and enhancing trade facilitation.
Efforts to achieve this include:
• The Turkic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) – established to enhance business ties, the TCCI plays a pivotal role in promoting trade, investment, and industrial partnerships among Turkic states and observers.
• The Turkic Investment Fund (TIF) – initially launched with a capital of $500 million, now expanded to $600 million, serving as a key financial institution to support SMEs and regional economic development;
• The Trade Facilitation Committee (TFC) – working to streamline customs processes and improve business conditions;
• Infrastructure projects such as the Trans-Caspian International East-West Middle Corridor (Middle Corridor), which provides a faster and more efficient trade route between Europe and Asia.
The Middle Corridor is a game-changer, shortening transportation times by threefold compared to sea routes. With further investment, it is expected to handle 11 million tons of cargo annually by 2030. Another strategic project, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, will significantly boost trade capacity across the region.
Strengthening Cultural and Educational Ties
Beyond economic and geopolitical cooperation, the OTS remains committed to fostering cultural and educational exchanges. The Turkic Universities Union, which includes over 100 universities, is facilitating academic mobility and standardizing education systems across member states. Hungary’s participation through Szeged University and its Stipendium Hungaricum program, which attracted more than 5,000 applicants last year, further strengthens educational collaboration.
Cultural heritage is also a strong unifying force. The World Nomad Games (WNG), initiated by Kyrgyzstan, have become an iconic global event, celebrating Turkic traditions and sports.
The Turkic Silk Road and Tabarruk Ziyarat initiatives help preserve historical sites, promote cultural tourism, and strengthen the shared values of our nations.
Strengthening the OTS’s International Influence
As the OTS matures, its global footprint continues to expand. The organization has developed strong partnerships with major international bodies, signing agreements with institutions such as WHO, FAO, UNIDO, and UN-Habitat. These collaborations focus on sustainability, public health, and economic resilience.
Moreover, OTS engagement with ASEAN, OSCE, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the African Union is strengthening its diplomatic influence beyond the Turkic world. The recent “Turkic Week” at the UN Office in Geneva was a successful public diplomacy initiative, and similar events are planned in other international capitals.
Hungary’s Role in the OTS
Hungary's presence in the OTS has significantly evolved since gaining observer status, becoming the first country to receive this status at the 2018 summit in Kyrgyzstan. As a very active partner and observer, Hungary has played a dynamic and proactive role in fostering economic, political, and cultural ties within the organization. By hosting the OTS Representation Office in Budapest, as well as opening its Embassies in OTS Member States, Hungary has become a bridge between Europe and the Turkic World.
In economic terms, trade between Hungary and OTS member states has quadrupled, surpassing $5 billion. Hungary’s accession to the Turkic Investment Fund with a $100 million contribution marks a major step in deepening economic cooperation. Additionally, Hungary’s Eximbank has allocated nearly $1 billion in loans for businesses operating in OTS countries.
Beyond economics, Budapest has played an active role in environmental cooperation, particularly through the OTS Drought Prevention Institute, which develops strategies to combat climate change.
Furthermore, Hungary places much emphasis on traditional sports and cultural festivities representing our common heritage. It has been holding the Turan Kurultaj in Bugac in
every two years and attending the World Nomad Games with strong teams. Hungary is a candidate country to host the WNG in the future, which presents our common culture to the world.
Hungary is set to host the Informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in May 2025, gathering the Leaders of the Turkic World and marking a significant milestone in the deepening relationship between Hungary and the Turkic States. This high level event will not only reinforce Hungary’s role as a key strategic partner and observer within the OTS but also serve as a platform for shaping the future activities of the organization.
A Shared Vision for Global Progress
The OTS stands united in its commitment to shaping a prosperous and interconnected future. With strategic initiatives in trade, digitalization, environmental sustainability, and cultural exchange, the OTS is well on its way to becoming a globally recognized force for cooperation and development. The commitment of Member States and Observers ensures that this cooperation will continue to flourish, benefiting not only the Turkic World but also the broader international community.
As we look ahead, the Organization of Turkic States will remain steadfast in its mission, ensuring that the Turkic World thrives in unity, progress and strength. “Together, we are stronger".
