Budapest to host informal summit of Turkic states on May 20–21

The Informal Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) will take place from May 20 to 21 in Budapest, Hungary, marking a historic first as the summit convenes in an Observer State.

Hosted by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, the summit will bring together leaders of the five member states—Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan—alongside officials from observer states and the OTS Secretary General.

Held under the theme “Meeting Point of East and West,” the summit aims to strengthen regional ties, deepen multilateral cooperation, and address shared challenges amid an evolving global landscape.

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The choice of Hungary as host underscores its expanding role within the Turkic cooperation framework and highlights the Organization’s growing geographic and strategic outreach.

Strategic Agenda

The summit will provide a platform for the participating heads of state to:

• Discuss economic, cultural, energy, and security cooperation
• Review ongoing projects and future strategic initiatives
• Address regional and international developments impacting Turkic states
   

A key outcome of the gathering will be the adoption of the Budapest Declaration, which is expected to reaffirm the OTS’s collective vision, unity, and roadmap for future collaboration.

In preparation, the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OTS convened in Budapest to finalize the summit’s agenda and accompanying documents for the leaders’ approval.

 Budapest Declaration Signed Following Informal OTS Summit

On 21 May, the heads of state of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) convened for an informal summit in Budapest, where they signed the Budapest Declaration, a comprehensive document consisting of 71 points.

Key Highlights of the Declaration:

▪️ Commitment to the Nakhchivan Agreement was reaffirmed, recognising it as the founding document of the OTS. Leaders praised the historic contribution of Turkic peoples to global civilisation and the growing role of Turkic states in fostering peace, security, and sustainable development worldwide.

▪️ The declaration emphasised the significance of the “Charter of the Turkic World” as a unifying framework of shared identity, language, culture, and traditions. The Kyrgyz chairmanship and Hungary’s active involvement were both commended.

▪️ Solidarity and coordination among Turkic states were prioritised, including greater engagement with observer states — Hungary, Turkmenistan, and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. The need for a peaceful resolution of the Cyprus issue was underlined.

▪️ Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism, terrorist financing, organised crime, and cybercrime. Türkiye’s contributions to stability in Syria were acknowledged, alongside a call for lifting sanctions against Syria.

▪️ Deep concern was expressed over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with renewed calls for a sustainable ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the delivery of aid.

▪️ Intentions to deepen defence industry cooperation and combat Islamophobia, racism, xenophobia, and disinformation on international platforms were confirmed.

▪️ The success of the Baku Process and Azerbaijan’s leadership in intercultural dialogue were praised. Support was expressed for the 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, to be held in Baku in 2026.

▪️ Leaders agreed on the need to increase the OTS budget and launch the Turkic Investment Fund, the Organisation’s first joint financial institution. They welcomed green energy initiatives, sustainable infrastructure development, and the entry into force of the Simplified Customs Corridor Agreement.

▪️ Azerbaijan was commended for hosting COP29 in November 2024, particularly its Baku Climate Pact initiative.

▪️ Specific sections of the Declaration addressed cultural heritage, youth and sport policies, humanitarian cooperation, and the protection of cultural heritage during armed conflicts. Leaders also supported celebrating Nowruz across the OTS.

▪️ OTS members backed each other’s candidacies for leading positions in the UN, UNESCO, and ECOSOC, and welcomed the awarding of the Alisher Navoi Prize to Nobel Laureate Aziz Sancar for strengthening Turkic unity.

▪️ In conclusion, the heads of state thanked Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, the Hungarian government, and people for their warm hospitality and support for Turkic solidarity.

The Declaration was signed in Azerbaijani, Kazakh, Kyrgyz, Turkish, and Uzbek.

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