Budapest, May 22, 2025 – The Europe Today: At the Summit of the Organization of Turkic States held in Budapest, the President of Uzbekistan delivered a compelling and forward-looking address emphasizing solidarity, mutual development, and a shared vision for peace and prosperity across the Turkic world.
Opening his remarks, the President expressed his appreciation to the host, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán of Hungary, for organizing the high-level meeting in the historic city of Budapest—long regarded as a symbolic bridge between East and West. He also commended Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov for his effective chairmanship of the Organization.
In his address to fellow heads of delegations, the Uzbek leader acknowledged the rapidly evolving global landscape, underscoring the mounting challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, and the worsening impact of climate change. “It is more important than ever to strengthen our common approaches and unified positions in addressing pressing global issues,” he noted.
Reaffirming Uzbekistan’s commitment to international law and the United Nations Charter, the President highlighted the need for diplomatic solutions to global crises. He expressed support for resolving the situation in Ukraine through dialogue, while commending President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye for his mediating role. On the crisis in Gaza, he reiterated the call for a two-state solution, emphasizing that peace will remain elusive without it.
The President also drew attention to the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan and welcomed the adoption of a Joint Statement on the issue as a demonstration of the Organization’s resolve.
Turning to regional collaboration, the Uzbek President underscored the Organization’s growing accomplishments in recent years. Citing the successful Economic Think-Tanks Forum held in Tashkent, he spotlighted the enormous potential for further cooperation.
He proposed several initiatives aimed at deepening integration among member states, including:
- Signing an Agreement on Strategic Partnership, Eternal Friendship, and Brotherhood at the upcoming Baku Summit;
- Launching the “TURK-TRADE” online platform and adopting a Practical Program to expand intra-regional trade;
- Swift implementation of “Single Window” and “Green Corridor” systems to enhance the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor;
- Organizing an International Multimodal Transport and Logistics Forum this November in Tashkent;
- Accelerating investment through the Turkic Investment Fund and proposing a single investment portal for innovative projects.
He also called for a new Industrial Cooperation Program focusing on strategic sectors such as energy, pharmaceuticals, food processing, and construction.
On environmental cooperation, the President praised Hungary’s role in launching the Institute for Drought Prevention in Budapest and proposed developing a Joint Roadmap to counter environmental challenges.
Emphasizing education and cultural heritage, the President announced the establishment of the International University of Turkic States in Tashkent—an institution dedicated to advancing science and learning across the Turkic world. He also proposed hosting the next meeting of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation in Uzbekistan.
To strengthen cultural diplomacy, he called for reforms to enhance the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), urging foreign and culture ministers to submit recommendations ahead of the Baku Summit.
In a highlight of the summit, the Uzbek leader presented the Alisher Navoi International Prize to Turkish Nobel laureate Aziz Sancar, recognizing his outstanding contributions to science and the unity of the Turkic world. “We are proud that this renowned scientist is an honorary doctor of the National University of Uzbekistan,” he said.
Concluding his address, the President voiced his confidence that the outcomes of the Budapest Summit would “open a new page in strengthening peace, harmony, and sustainable development among our brotherly peoples.”
