The Turkic World in the Heart of Europe: OTS Leaders Discuss Economy, Transport, and Unity
On May 21, 2025, an informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) convened in Budapest, uniting leaders of member countries and observers in the symbolic heart of Europe. The heads of Kazakhstan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, along with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, discussed key areas of cooperation, including the economy, transport, digitalization, and adherence to international agreements. The summit was held under the motto “Meeting Place of East and West.” Tokayev: Uniform Standards Could Boost GDP by 1% Annually Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the need for deeper economic integration among Turkic states and advocated for the rapid adoption of a model law to streamline exports among OTS members. “Uniform standards will ensure annual GDP growth of about 1%,” Tokayev said, highlighting that the collective GDP of OTS countries stands at approximately $1.4 trillion, with mutual trade already exceeding $22 billion. According to him, the potential exists to increase this figure by 1.5 times. Tokayev also stressed the importance of respecting existing agreements within the OTS framework. “The norms established in all agreements, whether procedural, political, or economic, must be strictly observed,” he said. He proposed intensifying joint infrastructure projects, particularly those aligned with the North-South and Middle Corridor transport routes connecting East and West. Kazakhstan, he noted, is modernizing border logistics with China, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, including launching a new railway checkpoint. In addition, Tokayev highlighted the need to expand supply chains for oil, gas, uranium, and other resources. He thanked Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for facilitating increased Kazakh oil exports to Europe via Azerbaijan. Unity and Vision from Member States Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov described the summit as laying a “solid foundation for sustainable development,” linking it to the November 2023 summit in Bishkek. President Aliyev emphasized Azerbaijan’s emerging role as a Eurasian logistics hub, stating that Baku has invested over $20 billion in the economies of OTS member states. An important development was the announcement that the Turkic Investment Fund, intended to foster economic cohesion, will begin operations soon. Several key documents were adopted at the summit, including the Budapest Declaration, a statement by the Council of Heads of State on Afghanistan, the decision on Uzbekistan’s accession to the Turkic Culture and Heritage Fund, and the extension of Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev’s mandate. The Hungarian Dimension and Cultural Ties Hosting the summit for the first time, Hungary underscored its unique position as an OTS observer. Prime Minister Orbán, who promotes the notion of Turkic roots among Hungarians, has championed closer ties with the Turkic world. Kyrgyz historian Tyntchtykbek Chorotegin pointed out that Hungarian shares structural and grammatical features with Turkic languages, such as suffixation and the absence of prefixes. Cultural similarities extend beyond linguistics. Nomadic traditions persist in both regions, evident in culinary parallels like goulash and kuurdaq, shared housing styles, equestrian practices, and enthusiasm for folk games. European athletes' growing participation in the World Nomad Games further illustrates strengthening cultural bonds. The Budapest summit was more than a diplomatic gathering; it marked...
