Budapest, May 21, 2025 – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a powerful call to the international community regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza during his address at the Informal Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) held in Budapest, Hungary. Speaking at the two-day summit, which took place on May 20-21, 2025, Erdoğan underscored the dire situation in Gaza, citing a recent United Nations warning that 14,000 babies could die without immediate aid. The summit, hosted under the theme “Meeting Point of East and West,” marked the first time an OTS gathering was held in an observer country, highlighting Hungary’s growing role within the organization.
Erdoğan opened his speech by expressing gratitude to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for his warm hospitality and commended Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov for his leadership during the OTS’s current term. He emphasized the significance of holding the summit in Hungary, stating, “Hosting our summit in an observer country for the first time is a clear testament to the importance we attach to Hungary.” The Turkish leader highlighted the OTS’s role as a bridge between East and West, rooted in the shared heritage of Turkic nations, which he described as “carriers of a profound legacy that blends the wisdom of the East with the dynamism of the West.”
The president praised Hungary’s contributions to the OTS, including its hosting of the organization’s representation office and the Institute for Drought Prevention. He also welcomed the appointment of Balazs Hendrich, Hungary’s former Consul General in Istanbul, as the executive director of the OTS representation office, noting that this move would enhance the office’s effectiveness. Erdoğan further encouraged Hungary to join the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY) as an observer member, signaling deeper cultural collaboration.
Reflecting on the OTS’s achievements, Erdoğan acknowledged the organization’s progress in overcoming challenges and biases, positioning it as a respected global entity. However, he stressed that there is still a long road ahead and called for strengthening the OTS secretariat through increased funding and resources. “Doubling the secretariat’s budget in the first phase would significantly enhance our organization’s effectiveness,” he urged, expressing confidence in achieving shared goals with member states.
Erdoğan also proposed cultural initiatives to strengthen Turkic unity, including designating March 21 as the OTS Nevruz Commemoration and Celebration Day, celebrating the shared cultural heritage of the Turkic world. Additionally, he advocated for December 15 to be recognized as World Turkic Language Day at the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand later this year, congratulating Uzbekistan for its role in hosting the event and joining the Turkish Culture and Heritage Foundation.
A Call for Solidarity with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC)
The Turkish president emphasized the importance of solidarity with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), describing it as an inseparable part of the Turkic world. “A Turkic world without the TRNC is incomplete,” Erdoğan declared, applauding the recent OTS Council of Elders meeting held in the TRNC in early May. He welcomed the summit’s decision to grant the TRNC observer status in the Turkish Academy, calling it a significant step toward full membership in the future. Erdoğan reiterated Turkey’s unwavering support for the TRNC’s struggle for rights, freedom, and justice, urging member states to amplify their support.
Regional Stability and Global Challenges
Turning to regional developments, Erdoğan expressed optimism about the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, commending Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for his leadership in fostering stability in the Caucasus. “A lasting peace between the two nations will unlock numerous opportunities for the Turkic world,” he noted, underscoring the strategic importance of the region.
However, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza took center stage in Erdoğan’s speech. He described the situation as “a living hell for civilians,” referencing a stark UN warning that 14,000 infants could perish within 48 hours without urgent aid. “As the Turkic world, we must contribute to establishing a ceasefire, ensuring uninterrupted humanitarian aid, rebuilding Gaza, and initiating a just and lasting peace process,” Erdoğan urged. He called for a unified stance against Israel’s “unrestrained expansionism” and emphasized the need to support the territorial integrity of Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria to achieve regional stability.
Erdoğan also addressed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, noting Turkey’s role in facilitating recent talks in Istanbul—the first such meeting since 2022. He reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to pursuing a comprehensive ceasefire and a fair peace agreement. Similarly, he highlighted Turkey’s efforts to stabilize Syria following 14 years of conflict, stressing that leveraging this opportunity effectively is crucial for regional and global stability.
Middle Corridor and Global Connectivity
The Turkish president underscored the strategic importance of the Middle Corridor, a trade and transport route connecting East and West, as a cornerstone of the OTS’s agenda. “The success of the Middle Corridor depends on our collective cooperation,” he said, urging member states to prioritize this initiative to ensure secure and seamless connectivity. Erdoğan emphasized that the corridor’s success would enhance the Turkic world’s global influence.
Honoring Turkic Contributions
In a poignant moment, Erdoğan celebrated the presence of Nobel laureate Aziz Sancar, a renowned Turkic scientist, at the summit. He announced that Sancar would receive the Ali Shir Nevai International Award for his outstanding contributions to science, expressing hope that young Turkic scholars would follow in his footsteps to achieve further successes in science, technology, and other fields.
A Vision for Unity
Erdoğan concluded his speech by expressing optimism about the Budapest Declaration and the decisions to be adopted during the summit, which he believes will benefit the Turkic world and its allies. “With mutual respect and solidarity, we will walk toward a shared future,” he said, thanking Prime Minister Orban for his exceptional hospitality and extending warm greetings to the peoples of OTS member states.
The summit, attended by leaders from Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and observer states, underscored the OTS’s growing role as a platform for addressing global challenges while fostering unity among Turkic nations. Erdoğan’s impassioned appeal for Gaza, coupled with his vision for regional cooperation, reaffirmed Turkey’s leadership in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.
