Organization of Turkic States: Achievements, growth, and Hungary’s role – Interview with OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev

The Organization of Turkic States (OTS), headquartered in İstanbul, Türkiye, has been operating for 15 years and has gained international recognition as a fully-fledged intergovernmental entity. Within its framework, numerous projects are being implemented to strengthen cooperation among its member states.

In an interview, Mr. Omuraliev shared his assessments on the Organization’s key initiatives, achievements, future prospects, and other key issues.

Daily News Hungary: Last year marked the 15th anniversary of the Nakhchivan Agreement, the key document that laid the foundation for the Organization of Turkic States. How has the organization evolved over the years?

OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev: The development of the Organization of Turkic States has been a truly remarkable process, reflecting the shared aspirations and vision of its member states. While the Nakhchivan Agreement in 2009 officially marked the establishment of the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States, the roots of Turkic cooperation extend much further.

In the early 1990s, the first Summits of the Leaders of the Turkic-Speaking States were held. These Summits symbolized the collective resolve of our nations to unite, foster mutual understanding, and build a framework for collaboration across diverse fields.

This sense of unity led to the landmark signing of the Nakhchivan Agreement in 2009, when the leaders of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Türkiye met in Nakhchivan (Azerbaijan) and agreed to establish the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States. In 2021, at the Summit in Istanbul, the Turkic Council was transformed into the Organization of Turkic States, becoming a full-fledged international structure.

The organization, which initially comprised four founding countries, has expanded over the years to include a total of nine members and observers, with Hungary among them as an observer. This broader participation makes the OTS more impactful on the regional and global stage.

A key element of the OTS’s evolution is the shift in the bilateral relations between member states, now rooted in the shared identity of OTS membership. This new approach to cooperation underscores a spirit of “brotherhood” that strengthens our ties and enriches the partnership between our nations.

Today, the OTS is active in over 35 areas, spanning diverse fields such as foreign policy, trade, energy, the green economy, digitalization, space exploration, and artificial intelligence. Despite its relatively short history, the OTS has already established itself as a significant player, not only in the region but also on the global stage.

Since 2011, we have consistently held leaders’ Summits, where pivotal decisions are made on a wide range of issues, from trade and economic cooperation to education, culture, and social policy. In recent years, these formal summits have been complemented by informal gatherings, further fostering closer dialogue and strategic cooperation.

What truly sets the OTS apart is that it is not merely a platform for economic cooperation, trade, or regional integration. It is founded on a much deeper bond—one rooted in centuries of shared history, a common language, cultural heritage, and enduring traditions that unite our nations. The OTS is more than just a strategic alliance; it is a brotherhood built on trust, solidarity, and a collective vision for the future.

DNH: You mentioned the Summits of the leaders. Could you share more about the recent Summit in Bishkek and its key outcomes?

OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev: The 11th Bishkek Summit, themed “Empowering the Turkic World: Economic Integration, Sustainable Development, Digital Future, and Security for All,” directly addressed today’s challenges and set strategic priorities for the Turkic world.

One of the most significant outcomes of the summit was the adoption of the Bishkek Declaration, which defines the key areas for future cooperation. This document covers crucial sectors such as the economy, digital transformation, environmental sustainability, and security, while outlining concrete mechanisms to achieve our shared goals.

Strategic agreements signed at the summit promise to transform the economic and technological landscape of the region. Highlights included a Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) to secure digital trade and electronic interactions, a Civil Protection Mechanism Agreement for coordinated disaster response, and a Memorandum of Understanding on Space-Related Activities to foster cooperative ventures in space technology.

Another major agreement was the establishment of the Turkic Green Finance Council, paving the way for sustainable growth and accelerating the digital transformation of our economies. The creation of the Council of Central (National) Banks of Turkic States is another important step forward, strengthening financial cooperation across the region. Moreover, the “Turkic Green Vision: Unity for a Sustainable Future” document was signed, laying the foundation for a unified environmental policy.

Bishkek also earned the prestigious title of Digital Capital of the Turkic World for 2025, which will position the city as a central hub for key international meetings and events on digitalization, reinforcing the shared aspirations of the Turkic countries for technological development.

In addition, two important documents were signed – the “Charter of the Turkic World” and the “Regulations on Permanent Representatives of the OTS,” which strengthen our institutional structure and create the conditions for effective and coordinated continuation of our cooperation.

Overall, our leaders, Foreign Ministers, and Sectorial Ministers signed and adopted 16 different agreements, decisions, and protocols across various fields, all aimed at enhancing integration and cooperation among our member states.

A particularly significant moment at the Summit was the presentation of the “Supreme Order of the Turkic World” to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. This prestigious award recognized his outstanding contributions to fostering multi-dimensional cooperation between Hungary and the Turkic States, as well as his unwavering support for OTS. Hungary’s growing role in shaping the future of OTS cooperation was also acknowledged, with its engagement extending beyond economic and political ties to include cultural and historical connections.

DNH: How do you assess the current state of economic cooperation among the member states? What key initiatives and projects within the OTS are focused on expanding trade, strengthening regional integration, and improving economic collaboration?

OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev: The economic cooperation among the Member States of the Organization of Turkic States is an essential and dynamic aspect of the overall integration and collaboration within the Turkic world. The efforts towards fostering mutually beneficial economic ties, increasing intra-trade, and diversifying economies through small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have provided a sound foundation for long-term growth and development.

Strategic frameworks like the “Turkic World Vision – 2040” and the “OTS Strategy for 2022-2026” play a crucial role in guiding these efforts and ensuring we stay on course for long-term, sustainable economic collaboration.

One of the main mechanisms we have established to enhance cooperation is the Turkic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), which acts as a key platform for strengthening business relations across our member states.

Additionally, the Turkic Investment Fund (TIF) is another milestone. Initially launched with a capital of $500 million, the fund has now grown to $600 million, supporting mutual investments, fostering innovation, and nurturing entrepreneurship, particularly within SMEs.

Another major development is the Trade Facilitation Committee (TFC), which works to streamline trade processes, remove barriers, and improve the overall business environment in the region.

While the potential for expanding trade in our region is enormous—given its strategic position at the crossroads of East and West, North and South—there are still hurdles to overcome. Currently, OTS member states rank 12th globally in total GDP, with a combined external trade volume of $860 billion. However, intra-OTS trade currently accounts for only 5% of that, or about $42.3 billion. A few years ago, this was only 3%, so we’re seeing encouraging growth. Our goal now is to increase this share to 10% as quickly as possible.

To achieve this, we need to address key barriers, particularly in transportation and logistics. Active work is being done in this direction, with long-term projects being implemented by the UN and the International Road Transport Union.

One of the most significant developments is the growing importance of the Trans-Caspian International East-West Middle Corridor—also known as the Middle Corridor. Passing through our member states, it offers unparalleled advantages. It is 2,000 kilometers shorter than the Northern Corridor and can deliver goods from China to Europe three times faster than sea routes—within just 15 days.