Budapest: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is set to visit Hungary on May 20-21 to accompany President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) and participate in the informal meeting of the OTS Council of Foreign Ministers.
According to Anadolu Agency, the meetings will occur in Budapest, where Fidan is expected to deliver a key address on Wednesday. This visit follows his attendance at the previous Council of Foreign Ministers meeting held in Bishkek on November 6, 2024, prior to the 11th OTS summit.
In his forthcoming speech, Fidan is anticipated to emphasize the increasing relevance of the OTS during a time of global uncertainty. He is expected to highlight the cooperation among OTS countries, asserting their role in fostering regional stability and justice amidst international challenges. Additionally, Fidan will underline the significance of a shared identity among OTS nations as part of the greater Turkic world.
On the issue of Cyprus, Fidan will reaffirm Turkey's support for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), advocating for solidarity with the Turkish Cypriots, who have faced prolonged isolation. He will also discuss enhancing cooperation in key sectors, aiming to bolster the institutional capacity of the OTS while deepening collaboration in transportation, energy, and sustainable development.
The Budapest summit follows recent high-level engagements within the OTS, including an informal summit in Shusha on July 5-6, 2024, and the 11th summit in Bishkek on November 6, 2024. These meetings have consistently underscored a commitment to solidarity across the Turkic world.
The gathering on May 21 is expected to culminate in a joint declaration aimed at expanding inter-state cooperation and fostering institutional integration within the OTS. Several official documents are anticipated to be signed, with the 12th OTS summit scheduled to take place in Baku in the upcoming months.