Secretary General of the OTS, H.E. Kubanychbek Omuraliyev, held a high-level meeting with Hungarian State Secretary, H.E. Péter Sztáray at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary on 19 May 2025 in preparation for the upcoming OTS Summit set to take place in Budapeston 21 May 2025.

The Informal Summit in Budapest marks the first summit ever to be held in an observer state, symbolizing Hungary’s active and significant role within the organization.

Secretary General Omuraliyev expressed deep appreciation for Hungary’s generous hospitality and underscored the country’s meaningful contributions to the OTS, including its hosting of the Representation Office, participation in the Turkic Investment Fund, and initiatives such as the Drought Prevention Institute.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed the ongoing preparations for the Summit, including the drafting of key documents. They also acknowledged the strategic importance of the Summit theme, “Meeting Point of the East and West,” in strengthening ties between the Turkic World and Europe.

Parties underscored Hungary’s growing economic and educational ties with Turkic countries, noting that bilateral trade has surpassed $5 billion and that over 5,000 students from OTS Member States applied for scholarships in Hungary last year. They also highlighted Hungary’s role in enhancing the region’s energy security through pioneering energy agreements with all OTS countries.

The meeting reaffirmed Hungary’s place not merely as an observer, but as a vital and fully engaged partner within the OTS, setting the stage for a historic and impactful summit.