We must become INTERMEDIARIES

by Mariann Őry

Organization of Turkic States

HUNGARY IS SUCCESSFULLY COOPERATING WITH THE ORGANISATION OF TURKIC STATES, FORMERLY – AND STILL COMMONLY – KNOWN AS THE TURKIC COUNCIL, WHERE THE COUNTRY HAS OBSERVER STATUS. WE ASKED BALÁZS ORBÁN, THE PRIME MINISTER’S POLITICAL DIRECTOR, ABOUT THE STATE OF COOPERATION.

– How is cooperation with the region of the countries of the Organisation of Turkic States progressing?

– Every meeting, every new strategic document signed or even an informal conversation is another step towards deepening the relationship. The Council plays an increasingly important role in shaping our country’s external relations historically, culturally and economically in equal proportion. The government has recognised that Hungary being located here, right on the border between East and West, is a gift that we must exploit: we must become intermediaries, a transit country. This is in Hungary’s strategic interest. In this context, we need to strengthen our Eastern partnerships, or even revive our historical, kinship ties. And we have done just that.

– What role does Hungary play in the cooperation between the Turkic states and the EU?

– Hungary can play a primarily bridging role between the region and the Western world. There are still many misunderstandings and prejudices about Central Asia and the Turkic countries, and overcoming these and raising the visibility of Turkic states is one of the most important tasks of the Budapest Representative Office. Moreover, the war in Ukraine has clearly enhanced the geostrategic role of the Turkic states. The land link between the industrial centres of East Asia and Europe is under threat from sanctions against Russia, and a new transport route is needed. This is what the Middle Corridor – which is also supported by the Turkic states – offers, reaching Europe via Central Asia, Azerbaijan and Turkey.

– Energy supply is a burning issue for Europe. Are there opportunities in this area?

– Turkey, for example, is an indispensable partner: Hungary’s main natural gas route, the pipeline connecting it to Serbia, is supplied by gas from TurkStream. In addition, Central Asian and Caucasus partners have significant hydrocarbon reserves, and Turkey can provide vital assistance in accessing these. In addition, we will import green electricity from Azerbaijan in a few years.

The author is an editor of Eurasia Magazine