The Organization of Turkic States in 2026: Priorities under Azerbaijan’s Chairmanship

As geopolitical dynamics across the Eurasian continent continue to shift and turbulence increases in surrounding regions, the member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) are strengthening their resilience and cooperation. Through deeper coordination and the integration of key strategic initiatives, the OTS is emerging as one of the most stable and reliable corridors for connectivity, trade, and energy supply across Eurasia, providing a secure and uninterrupted space for regional cooperation and development.

In October 2025, Azerbaijan assumed the chairmanship of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) at the Summit held under the theme “Regional Peace and Security” marking an important transition in the Organization’s strategic direction. Building upon the productive and dynamic chairmanship of Kyrgyzstan, which significantly strengthened the institutional capacity and visibility of the OTS, Azerbaijan’s chairmanship comes at a pivotal moment as the Organization, given the turbulence in regions surrounding the member states.

As the OTS enters a new phase characterized by enhanced connectivity, expanding economic and energy cooperation, strengthened security coordination, and growing humanitarian and digital collaboration, Azerbaijan’s chairmanship is expected to play a crucial role in guiding these priorities and shaping the Organization’s future trajectory.

In this context, the panel will bring together the ambassadors of the OTS member states to present and outline their respective national priorities, strategic objectives, and planned contributions for 2026 within the framework of OTS cooperation. The event aims to announce and highlight each country’s goals for 2026 under the OTS platform. 

Featured Speakers:

- H.E. Mr. Tahir Taghizade, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Hungary
- H.E. Ms. Gülşen Karanis Ekşioğlu, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Hungary
- H.E. Mr. Abzal Saparbekuly, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Hungary
- H.E. Mr. Oybek Shakhavdinov, Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Hungary
- H.E. Mr. Talantbek Kushchubekov, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Hungary
- H.E. Mr. Balázs Hendrich, Ambassador, Executive Director, Representation Office of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Hungary
Moderator: Ibrahim Mammadov, Head of Turkic-Western Engagement Initiative (TWEI), Danube Institute

The ambassadorial panel will be followed by the discussion of the Danube Institute’s fellows on the role of OTS in increasing resilience of the Turkic Silk Road region and potential areas for the expansion of cooperation between Hungary and the member states.

Preliminary Programme:

5:00 PM - Welcome and Opening Remarks
5:05 - 6:30 PM: Panel I - Ambassadorial Panel
6:30 - 6:50 PM: Coffee Break
6:50 - 6:55 PM: Introduction of Panel II
6:55 - 8:00 PM: Panel II: Growing Role of OTS in Driving Resilience in the Turkic Silk Road Region

Details:

Date & time: Tuesday, 28 April, 2026, 5:00 P.M.
Venue: Lónyay-Hatvany Villa, 1 Csónak Street, 1015 Budapest (Entrance: Aranybástya Restaurant)
Gate opens at 4:30 P.M.
Language: English

Participation is free; however, due to limited seating, pre-registration is required by clicking the button below.