Caspian Cooperation and Trade: What Toqayev Addressed at the Turkic States Summit in Hungary

The summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) took place on May 21 in Budapest, Orda.kz reports.

During his speech in the Hungarian capital, President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev placed particular emphasis on the strategic importance of the Caspian Sea, highlighting its role in regional trade, transport, and environmental cooperation.

Toqayev once again underscored the need to develop the Middle Corridor — a key transit route connecting East and West — calling it a vital transport bridge. He also stressed the importance of enhancing the North-South trade corridor.

This will significantly strengthen the position of the Turkic region as a key transit hub, Toqayev stated, as quoted by Aqorda’s press service. 

The President also called for an increase in mutual trade among OTS member states, noting that current figures remain modest.

Last year, trade between Kazakhstan and its partners in the organization reached $11.4 billion, accounting for 8% of our country's total foreign trade turnover. It’s a solid figure—but it can grow further, he said. 

Discussing the Trans-Caspian potential, Toqayev pointed to recent progress, including the launch of an undersea high-speed internet cable between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. He also mentioned the long-discussed Trans-Caspian oil and gas pipeline, stating that such projects require international coordination.

Toqayev also addressed environmental concerns, particularly the shallowing of the Caspian Sea, and called for joint ecological studies and stronger compliance with environmental agreements.

Another extremely important issue is the need to strictly follow the documents and rules adopted within our organization. The norms established in all agreements, concerning both procedural aspects and political or economic issues, must be respected and strictly implemented, he emphasized.  

Looking ahead, Toqayev announced plans to open a permanent representative office of the OTS in Kazakhstan. He also reminded participants that the 14th Plenary Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States will be held in Astana this June, and that Almaty will serve as the organization’s youth capital starting next month.

Original Author: Igor Ulitin