The informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Budapest marked a significant moment not only for the Turkic world but also for Europe as a whole. This landmark event took place in Hungary—at the very heart of Europe—where East symbolically meets West. Professor László Vasa, a leading economist and senior research fellow at the Hungarian Institute of International Affairs and Trade, provides expert insight into Hungary’s evolving role within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). He highlights the strategic importance of Hungary’s engagement with the ports of Turkic countries, underscoring both geopolitical and economic dimensions of this growing partnership.

What is the significance of holding an informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Hungary?

An informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Hungary holds several significant implications, both for the OTS member states and the broader regional and global context. Holding an informal summit allows OTS countries to foster closer political, economic, and cultural ties, beyond the more formal structures of other international organizations. The informal nature of the summit encourages freer exchange of ideas and more flexible cooperation. Hungary's position as an EU member state and a NATO member provides a unique platform for OTS countries to engage with Europe.

Hungary is strategically located at the crossroads of Central Europe, making it a key gateway for Turkic states looking to enhance ties with European and Western markets. This allows discussions on trade, investment, energy, transportation, and infrastructure development, especially for connecting Central Asia with Europe. Hungary also has growing political and economic ties with some of the OTS countries. Hungary's government has expressed support for strengthening cooperation with the Turkic world, and hosting an OTS summit could be seen as a way to position Hungary as a bridge between the Turkic states and Europe.

The OTS has a deep focus on promoting Turkic cultural ties, language, and heritage. Hungary, which has historical ties with Central Asia (including Turkic peoples) due to linguistic and historical connections, can provide a fertile ground for promoting cultural exchanges and enhancing the understanding of Turkic heritage in Europe. The summit could also help Hungary align itself more closely with the Turkic world, particularly in terms of cultural diplomacy.

Hungary may see itself as a bridge or mediator between the OTS members and broader international communities, including the European Union. Hosting the summit offers Hungary an opportunity to enhance its diplomatic clout, potentially making it a key player in facilitating dialogue between the Turkic states and other global powers. The informal summit could be part of the OTS's broader strategy to expand its influence.

Although the organization is relatively young, with its formation in 2009, it is growing in importance on the global stage. By engaging with Hungary, the OTS signals its growing diplomatic presence in Europe, which could lead to greater partnerships with European countries and institutions. The OTS also seeks to address security concerns in Central Asia, including counterterrorism, regional conflicts, and economic challenges. Hungary, as a European Union member state, could play a role in fostering dialogue on issues of mutual concern, contributing to broader regional stability.

In summary, hosting the informal OTS summit in Hungary enhances Hungary's geopolitical importance, strengthens ties between Turkic states, and provides a platform for discussing strategic, economic, and cultural cooperation. This summit may also serve as a step toward greater global recognition and influence for the Organization of Turkic States.

Given that Hungary does not share direct borders with either Azerbaijan or Turkey, yet remains highly active within the OTS, what other initiatives could Hungary propose in the future?

Despite not sharing direct borders with Azerbaijan or Turkey, Hungary's active participation within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) signals its desire to play a key role in promoting cooperation between the Turkic world and Europe. Hungary can propose a range of initiatives that leverage its strategic position, diplomatic ties, and expertise to deepen engagement with OTS members and further strengthen Hungary's role within the organization. Hungary could take the lead in proposing energy and infrastructure initiatives that connect OTS members with the European Union, particularly with Hungary as a key transit country for energy flows between Eastern and Western Europe. Hungary, being a part of the European Union, could serve as a bridge for trade between the EU and the OTS countries, proposing initiatives to improve economic cooperation and access to European markets.

Are there narratives or strategic goals that indicate Hungary's interest in becoming a full member of the OTS?

Indeed, Hungary's active participation in the OTS does raise the question of whether it has aspirations to become a full member of the organization. While Hungary is not a full member, its engagement with the OTS has been growing in recent years, and there are several strategic narratives and goals that suggest it might have an interest in deeper integration, potentially even full membership in the future. However, Hungary doesn't have such an ambition, we don't need full membership for being active in the organization.

How does Hungary perceive its role in the Middle Corridor, especially considering that many OTS member states lie along this route? 

Hungary perceives its role in the Middle Corridor—an important transportation and trade route that connects Asia to Europe—largely as a strategic opportunity to enhance its position as a key transit hub linking Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Europe. In fact, all member states of the OTS are located along the Middle Corridor, which gives Hungary a unique opportunity to build deeper ties with these countries and become an important player in facilitating trade and connectivity between East and West. Hungary's geographical position makes it a natural gateway for goods traveling from Central Asia and the Caucasus to Western European markets. The country is well-placed to facilitate trade by offering efficient transport and logistical infrastructure, including key railway lines, highways, and border facilities. Hungary has invested heavily in its infrastructure in recent years, particularly in transportation (rail, road, and air), making it an attractive partner for countries seeking to use the Middle Corridor for trade.

In what ways are Hungary’s main ports prepared to expand cooperation with the ports of Turkic countries?

Hungary, as a landlocked country, does not have maritime ports of its own. However, it has strategically developed an extensive inland transport infrastructure, including railways and river ports, which can facilitate logistics and trade through Central Europe. Hungary’s main ports, such as those along the Danube River, and its transportation hubs play an essential role in connecting Central Europe to global trade routes, including those involving Turkic countries through the Middle Corridor and other international networks.

Hungary's approach to expanding cooperation with ports in Turkic countries, particularly those along key trade routes such as the Caspian Sea, the Black Sea, and Turkey's major ports, is likely to focus on improving inland transportation links, facilitating logistics integration, and enhancing economic partnerships. 

As global trade becomes increasingly digitalized, Hungary and Turkic countries can collaborate on the development and integration of smart port technologies to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Hungary could work with Turkic countries to develop joint digital solutions for customs clearance, cargo tracking, and logistics management. Smart port technologies—such as automated cargo handling, digital freight forwarding, and blockchain for supply chain transparency—could streamline operations at Hungarian ports and those in Turkic countries. This would ensure that goods moving along the Middle Corridor can pass through Hungary with minimal delays.

Finally, which key elements of the Budapest Declaration are considered driving forces for the future cooperation and integration among the Turkic member states?

First, the reaffirmation of unity and shared identity. The declaration underscores the commitment to the principles of the Nakhchivan Agreement and the “Charter of the Turkic World,” emphasizing the shared culture, traditions, language, and history of the Turkic peoples as a unifying framework for strengthening their common identity.

Second, economic integration and infrastructure development. The declaration outlines goals for regional economic integration through enhanced trade, streamlined customs procedures, and infrastructure development along the Middle Corridor and Trans-Caspian routes.

Third, technological collaboration and innovation. It highlights the importance of cooperation in areas such as digital transformation, critical raw materials, joint research, and innovation, aiming to foster a digital future for the Turkic states.

Fourth, environmental sustainability and climate leadership. The declaration emphasizes environmental sustainability, supporting initiatives like green energy corridors and backing Azerbaijan’s COP29 efforts under the Turkic Green Vision.

Fifth, cultural and youth cooperation. It stresses the importance of preserving cultural heritage and promoting youth cooperation, including the celebration of Nowruz and the declaration of Aktau as the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World for 2025, aiming to strengthen cultural ties and mutual understanding among the Turkic states.