OTS Secretary General Omuraliev: Hungary’s Hosting Increases Its Role Among Member States
OTS Secretary General Omuraliev: Hungary’s Hosting Increases Its Role Among Member States
Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Kubanychbek Omuraliev, stated that Hungary, an observer member, hosting the OTS Informal Summit for the first time demonstrates Budapest’s increasing role within the organization.
Omuraliev wrote an article regarding the OTS Informal Summit held on May 20–21 in Budapest, the capital of Hungary.
He explained that the OTS has long been bound by shared cultural and historical heritage and was officially established in 2009. He also recalled that the 15th anniversary of the OTS was celebrated in Ankara in October 2024.
Omuraliev pointed out that in 15 years, cooperation among the member states has expanded to cover more than 35 areas. He emphasized the active roles of various bodies under the OTS, including the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY), the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TURKPA), the Turkic Academy, the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, the Union of Turkic Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and the Turkic Investment Fund.
Highlighting the collaboration with different international organizations, Omuraliev underlined that this was the first time an observer member hosted an OTS Informal Summit, which signifies Hungary’s growing role within the OTS.
Omuraliev noted that many regional and global issues were discussed during the summit and that the Budapest Declaration was signed at its conclusion. The declaration reaffirmed the regional integration, strategic orientation, and commitment of the OTS.
He shared that the leaders signed the decision regarding Uzbekistan becoming a part of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, and that the Council of Foreign Ministers signed the decision to appoint an Executive Director to the OTS Representation Office in Hungary.
Omuraliev stated that the foreign ministers approved the decision to grant the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) observer status in the Turkic Academy.
He also mentioned that a ceremony was held to present the "Ali-Shir Nava’i International Award" to Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar. Omuraliev emphasized that the award honors Sancar’s scientific contributions and his dedication to the unity and identity of the Turkic world.
SOURCE: VEDAT KURT