Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev, the Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has paid a two-day working visit to Brussels where he met Olivér Várhelyi, the Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement of the European Commission, Simon Mordue, the chief foreign policy adviser to the President of the European Council and Camilo Villarino Marzo, the Chief of the cabinet of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Ambassador János Hóvári, the executive head of the Representation Office of the OTS in Hungary also participated in the visit.
On July 3-4, 2023 Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev visited Brussels in order to conduct discussions on the possibilities of establishing institutional ties between the OTS and the European Union. Among the present geopolitical challenges that are posed to the international system of relations, it is extremely important that the European Union should realize the outstanding role of the Organization of Turkic States in creating the continental trade links between Asia and Europe, and also in diversifying the supply of energy to Europe.
Olivér Várhelyi, the Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement of the European Commission received the Secretary General in his office who briefed him on the activities and objectives of the Organization of the Turkic States, as well as their common values and interests with the EU. The Secretary General underlined that the OTS is committed to regional integration, economic development and building cultural ties among its member states.
Commissioner Várhelyi highlighted the importance of ties in the fields of energy security, the transportation of goods and digital connectivity. The Sides exchanged their views on the potential for cooperation between the OTS and the EU in the field of energy and transport. They stressed the significance of dialogue and cooperation in meeting the common challenges.
Simon Mordue, the chief foreign policy adviser to the President of the European Council emphasized the fruitful relations between the EU and the Central Asian countries that are perfectly reflected by the trade indicators increasing exponentially. He noted that the dependence of Europe on energy, the comparative economic advantages of Central Asia, as well as the abundance of the region in raw materials make the Turkic states extremely important for Europe. The chief foreign policy adviser also highlighted the significance of developing the Middle Trade Corridor connecting Asia with Europe through the Turkic world.
As part of his visit, Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev met with Mr. Camilo Villarino Marzo, the Chief of the Cabinet of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. During their meeting, the Parties conducted discussions on the existing relations between the OTS Member States and the EU, as well as the potential for their further cooperation. Recognizing the shared values, interests and aspirations, both sides underlined the importance of regional stability, peace and prosperity. The Secretary General and Mr. Camio Villarino also exchanged views on the current challenges and ongoing developments in the region and the need for continued dialogue and co-operation to effectively address evolving challenges. They highlighted the significance of sustained engagement and cooperation.
On the occasion of the working visit of the Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, H.E. Ambassador Kubanychbek Omuraliev a reception was hosted by H.E. Ambassador Faruk Kaymakçı, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Türkiye to the European Union that brought together various stakeholders. The reception was attended by heads of diplomatic missions, the representatives of European institutions, think tanks, media and business. In his opening address at the reception, the Secretary General emphasized the vital role that the Turkic States play in ensuring security and stability not only within the region but also beyond its borders. He emphasized the importance of closer cooperation between the EU and the Turkic World, highlighting the multitude of issues of common concern where mutual benefits can be gained. Security, multi-modal connectivity and energy were named by the Secretary General as the key areas for potential cooperation. By combining resources, expertise, and perspectives, the EU and the Turkic World can enhance their collective capacity to tackle shared challenges and promote sustainable development. The reception provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and engagement, paving the way for enhanced cooperation and partnership between the OTS and the EU.
