As the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) convenes its 13th Summit in Ankara on October 30, attention is turning not only to the organisation's growing ambitions in trade, energy and regional connectivity, but also to the future role of one of its most distinctive European partners: Hungary. The summit, hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan under the theme "Turkic Century: Unity in Language, Thought and Deed," brings together leaders and representatives of member and observer states to discuss political cooperation, investment, transport connectivity, energy security and regional developments. The gathering also marks the transfer of the OTS chairmanship from Azerbaijan to Türkiye.
For Hungary, an observer state of the organisation, the meeting comes at a politically significant moment. The country underwent a major leadership change following its April 2026 parliamentary elections, which ended Viktor Orbán's 16-year premiership and brought Péter Magyar and his Tisza party to power. Under Orbán, Budapest cultivated particularly close political relations with the Turkic world, positioning itself as a European partner for Türkiye, Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries.
Hungary's engagement with the OTS became a visible element of its foreign policy, reflecting a broader interest in diversifying diplomatic partnerships and strengthening economic connections beyond the European Union. The transition to Magyar's government has consequently raised questions about whether Budapest intends to maintain the same level of engagement. Hungary retains its observer status, but the new leadership's longer-term approach to the organisation has yet to become fully clear.
Speaking to AzerNEWS, Professor Laszlo Vasa of Széchenyi István University argued that Hungary's relations with the Turkic world should be regarded as a long-term strategic interest rather than a foreign policy initiative associated exclusively with the previous government. "Hungary’s relations with the Turkic world have a strategic value which goes beyond any single government. Under Viktor Orbán, Hungary became a particularly active observer in the Organization of Turkic States.
This brought political visibility, but also helped to develop trust and create opportunities for economic cooperation. In my view, these achievements deserve to be continued, even if the new government chooses a different political language." Addressing the uncertainty surrounding Budapest's future participation, Vasa cautioned against interpreting a less visible diplomatic presence as evidence of a definitive withdrawal from cooperation with the organisation. "The approach of the new Hungarian leadership towards the OTS is still an open question.
Less visible participation creates uncertainty, and our Turkic partners understandably would like to see clearer signals from Budapest. However, I would be careful about interpreting this as a final decision to step back. My hope is that, as the government defines its foreign policy priorities, it will recognise the long-term importance of these relations." The question of Hungary's strategic positioning is particularly relevant as the European Union seeks to strengthen its economic connections with Central Asia and the South Caucasus.
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