Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the Informal Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Budapest on Wednesday.

Speaking before the leaders of Turkic nations, President Erdoğan highlighted the growing influence and institutional depth of the OTS, noting the organization's progress despite early challenges. “Looking back, we have reached a level that is now pointed to as exemplary,” Erdoğan said. He emphasized the importance of strengthening the OTS’s organizational capacity, proposing a doubling of the Secretariat’s budget to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Strategic Alliances and European Ties

The summit in Hungary marked a milestone as the first such gathering hosted by an observer state. Erdoğan praised Hungary’s contribution to fostering cooperation between the Turkic world and European institutions. He welcomed Hungary’s former consul general in Istanbul, Balázs Hendrich, as the new head of the OTS’s Representation Office and voiced support for Hungary’s observer membership in TURKSOY, the cultural arm of the Turkic world.

Cultural Unity and Symbolic Declarations

President Erdoğan advocated for stronger cultural ties within the Turkic world, proposing March 21 be officially recognized as the “OTS Nowruz Commemoration and Celebration Day” and calling for December 15 to be declared “World Turkic Language Day” by UNESCO. He praised Uzbekistan’s efforts in organizing the upcoming UNESCO General Conference and commended its full participation in the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation.

Geopolitical Responsibility and Solidarity

Erdoğan addressed the need for the Turkic states to extend their gaze beyond their borders, referencing past and present tragedies in Cyprus, Karabakh, Bosnia, and Gaza. “These events remind us that we must also consider what lies beyond our borders,” he said, calling on the Turkic world to contribute to a just international order.

He reiterated Türkiye’s support for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), insisting that “a picture of the Turkic world in which the TRNC is missing will never be complete.” He welcomed the TRNC’s observer membership in the Turkic Academy and expressed hope for its eventual full membership in the OTS.

Support for Palestine and Confronting Israeli Aggression

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza featured prominently in Erdoğan’s address. “In Gaza, civilians are virtually living through hell,” he stated, citing UN warnings that millions of children face death without urgent aid. He urged the Turkic states to play a proactive role in securing a ceasefire, facilitating humanitarian aid, and contributing to Gaza’s reconstruction. Erdoğan also called for confronting “Israel’s limitless expansionism” and reaffirmed support for the territorial integrity of Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria.

Peace and Stability in the Caucasus and Ukraine

Erdoğan expressed satisfaction with the peace agreement reached between Azerbaijan and Armenia, calling it a historic achievement that would bring stability and new opportunities to the region. He praised Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for his leadership.

Turning to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Erdoğan noted that parties had met in Istanbul for the first time since 2022. He reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to diplomacy, saying the country would continue engaging both sides to push for a comprehensive ceasefire and a just peace. He also emphasized continued Turkish efforts to achieve lasting stability in Syria after more than a decade of conflict.

A Vision for the Future

President Erdoğan concluded with a call for deeper cooperation across the Turkic world in all fields — cultural, political, economic, and strategic. “Our bonds of brotherhood make it necessary for us to watch each other’s back and step up our solidarity,” he said, expressing confidence that the OTS would serve as a vital bridge between East and West.

The summit is expected to result in increased inter-state coordination and stronger institutional ties among member states, observer nations, and affiliated organizations. (ILKHA)