EAST MEETS WEST

The intensification of dialogue between the Turkic countries in the context of rising geopolitical tensions will lead to a further convergence of their positions on all the major aspects of the current agenda. The recent informal summit of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) in Budapest served as a clear confirmation of this. Unity of purpose is key, and this must be reflected in our actions. The desire of the host nation, Hungary, to act as a conduit between the "Turkic world" and EU countries, and vice versa, was a key theme throughout the event.

According to Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó, Hungary is committed to the policy of "economic neutrality", seeking to foster mutually beneficial cooperation with both Western and Eastern partners. In alignment with these perspectives, the OTS summit in Budapest was convened under the theme "A meeting place for East and West".

Transport as an extension of policy

It was noted by almost all speakers that transport communications are playing an increasingly significant role in the international political and economic relations of the Turkic countries. In this regard, the Middle Corridor, which ensures safe and uninterrupted communication between East and West, is set to become a strategic route around which the further integration of Turkic countries will take place.

In particular, President Ilham Aliyev noted that thanks to Azerbaijan's investments, the capacity of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway has been increased to 5 million tonnes per year. We are pleased to inform you that work is also underway to create a unified digital platform. This will simplify transport operations between Caspian Sea ports. Furthermore, Azerbaijan has eight international airports, with plans to open a ninth, and a cargo terminal with a capacity of 1.5 million tonnes is currently under construction. This will increase the country's importance as a transport hub for the region.

OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliyev reported on the adoption of an action plan to implement the eTIR system and the technical provisions of the agreements on simplified customs corridors, which favours the digitalisation of transport processes. In turn, Kazakh leader Kasym-Jomart Tokayev also noted that Astana is taking measures to digitalise procedures at the borders with Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, simplify transit and modernise logistics infrastructure, including the opening of a third railway checkpoint on the border with China.

From the Middle East to Afghanistan

The event also provided a forum for the discussion of international issues. Special attention was given to the following regions: the Middle East, Ukraine and Afghanistan. The Turkish President issued a robust statement emphasising the necessity of opposing Israel's regional plans, particularly in Palestine, Syria and Lebanon, characterising them as "expansionist". Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was less definitive, stating that achieving a just solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict necessitates the realisation of the principle of "two states for two peoples".

In any event, the final document of the summit devoted particular attention to the situation in Gaza. It expressed deep concern about the humanitarian catastrophe, and supported the achievement of a comprehensive ceasefire, the release of hostages and the delivery of humanitarian aid. In addition, the statement reiterated the commitment to a two-state resolution for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, in alignment with the United Nations' resolutions.

The leaders of the Central Asian states also addressed the issue of Afghanistan in their speeches. The situation in that country remains critical. The lack of international legitimacy of the Afghan government, coupled with the significant restrictions on the development of economic ties with this country, is contributing to the deepening of humanitarian problems.

The leaders of the OTS states paid particular attention to the subjects of economic cooperation and the enhancement of political dialogue. The leaders of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan also discussed the development of industrial cooperation. The President of Azerbaijan emphasised that the Investment Fund of the OTS has all the necessary mechanisms to stimulate investment activity between the member states.

The adoption of the Joint Statement on Afghanistan at the Budapest summit demonstrates the Turkic countries' commitment to collaborative efforts and coordinated activities in the Afghan context. In particular, it envisages the provision of humanitarian aid to this country, the development of economic and transport links to unlock the potential for interaction and increase the transit capabilities of the OTS countries.

As is well documented, prior to the Taliban's rise to power in Kabul, the members of the OTS – namely Türkiye, Azerbaijan and the observer country Turkmenistan – successfully implemented the Lapis Lazuli (Lapis Lazuli Corridor) transport corridor project. This initiative assumed a pivotal role in establishing a vital connection between Afghanistan and the broader global community. The potential revival of this route could have a significant impact on the geopolitical landscape of Afghanistan and the wider region. Should you have any further enquiries, please do not hesitate to get in touch, as there are other projects that may be of interest to you. In particular, establishing links between the OTS countries and friendly Pakistan and South Asian states, with a view to facilitating access to the Indian Ocean region. In addition to the implementation of economic projects. Given Afghanistan's substantial mineral reserves, including rare-earth metals, collaboration in the mining sector will facilitate the country's integration into regional economic networks. Conversely, it will also contribute to the resolution of Afghanistan's socio-economic challenges.

Towards the institutionalisation of cooperation

In the context of the topics discussed at the conference, the initiative by Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to adopt the Treaty on Strategic Partnership, Eternal Friendship and Fraternity of Turkic States at the forthcoming Baku summit of the organisation deserves attention. This could be a significant addition to the process of institutionalising the OTS, with the potential to elevate the interaction between participating countries to an almost allied level.

I would also like to mention that a decision was taken regarding Uzbekistan's accession to the Foundation of Turkic Culture and Heritage at the informal summit of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) in Hungary. It should be noted that this fund was established in 2015 on the initiative of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

The speech delivered by the organisation's Secretary General, Kubanejbek Omuraliyev, is also of interest. He announced new initiatives of the OTS in the field of defence and security. In July 2025, the inaugural meeting of heads of defence enterprises from the Organisation of Turkic States countries is scheduled to take place within the framework of the IDEF 2025 exhibition. This is expected to be followed by preparations for the first meeting of defence ministers.

This allows us to conclude that in the conditions of geopolitical uncertainty and growing challenges, the OTS countries aim to systematise and coordinate activities in the field of defence and military-technical cooperation. At the same time, Türkiye's membership of NATO and Kazakhstan's and Kyrgyzstan's membership of the CSTO do not prevent such cooperation. The parties have emphasised that their cooperation is not directed against the interests of third countries, is not aimed at turning the OTS into a military-political bloc, and is not designed to implement any geopolitical projects using force. The declared objectives of the parties are to effectively counter radicalisation, extremism, Islamophobia, xenophobia and terrorism, and to strengthen border security.

Furthermore, the matter of streamlining travel for citizens of the OTS countries to a point where ID cards are the sole requirement was given full consideration. "This project is being implemented between Azerbaijan and Türkiye. It is planned to extend it to other countries in the near future," the OTS secretary general said.

This initiative will play a pivotal role in fostering tourist communication between Turkic countries and facilitating business connections, particularly among medium-sized enterprises. It will also encourage the establishment of joint ventures, including the production of finished goods, contributing to the growth and development of the region.

Ecology and humanitarian issues

In recent years, environmental issues have been a priority for the Turkic states. It is evident that the majority of OTS members, along with the observer country of Hungary, are situated within a climate belt that is susceptible to frequent droughts. Viktor Orbán's initiative has resulted in the Institute for Drought Prevention commencing operations in Budapest within the framework of the organisation. The utilisation of its research findings by all countries in the region will establish a scientific framework that will facilitate the development of practical solutions to combat drought and desertification in the extensive territory with arid climate, extending from the Hungarian steppes to the expanses of the Kazakh shallow meadow.

Ilham Aliyev noted in his speech that Azerbaijan successfully hosted COP29, where the Baku Pact on Climate Unity was adopted. This document marked a significant step in global cooperation on climate change. He also expressed Baku's readiness to strengthen partnership with other Turkic states in the field of environmental protection, emphasising the need for joint efforts to combat environmental challenges in the region.

The Budapest Declaration, which was signed at the summit, recognises the importance of developing green energy technologies, climate-resilient infrastructure and energy efficiency. This demonstrates the willingness of the OTS countries to shift to sustainable energy sources and reduce their carbon footprints.

In terms of cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere, it is envisaged that 15 December will be proclaimed as World Turkic Language Day at the 43rd General Conference of UNESCO. This will have significant symbolic and practical value.

The Budapest Declaration, adopted at the informal summit of the heads of the OTS states, consolidated the main priorities of cooperation for the future and strengthened the institutional framework of the organisation. The next official summit of the OSCE will take place in Baku this autumn. Following this event, Azerbaijan will assume the role of chairman of the organisation.