EUReflect — European news and analysis

Politics · International Relations

Tokayev’s Russia Proposal: What Are the Implications for EU–OTS Relations?

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s proposal to involve Russia in the Organization of Turkic States through the OTS+ framework or observer status raises an important question: can an organisation seeking wider international influence accommodate Moscow without complicating its members’ relations with Europe? The proposal, presented at the Ankara summit on 30 October, concerns possible participation, not an already approved Russian status.

Derya Soysal

Interview · Face To Face Interviews

Business Diplomat: Drive Over Grades

Grades and languages are minimum thresholds, argues Mushtariybonu Josaphine Tulanboyeva; entrepreneurial motivation should decide who joins, because it is the one thing a programme cannot teach. Interviewed by: Muhammadillo Shermatov Interviewee: Mushtariybonu Josaphine Tulanboyeva, Former Protocol Associate

Muhammadillo Shermatov

Interview · Face To Face Interviews

Business Diplomat: Legitimacy, Access, Continuity

Partner status with bodies such as the Organization of Turkic States would give a young platform three things ambition cannot, says Mushtariybonu Josaphine Tulanboyeva, and graduates who turn agreements into deals in return. Interviewed by: Muhammadillo Shermatov Interviewee: Mushtariybonu Josaphine Tulanboyeva, Former Protocol Associate

Muhammadillo Shermatov

Interview · Face To Face Interviews

Business Diplomat: Informed and Convincing

Two core courses on political risk and trade governance, and practice until knowledge becomes the student’s own: Mushtariybonu Josaphine Tulanboyeva sets out what a young business diplomat certificate should add. Interviewed by: Muhammadillo Shermatov Interviewee: Mushtariybonu Josaphine Tulanboyeva, Former Protocol Associate

Muhammadillo Shermatov

Interview · Face To Face Interviews

Business Diplomat: Build, Then Present

Attention at a summit fades within weeks, says Mushtariybonu Josaphine Tulanboyeva. Roundtables build partnerships; a single summit, held from year two, presents them. Interviewed by: Muhammadillo Shermatov Interviewee: Mushtariybonu Josaphine Tulanboyeva, Former Protocol Associate

Muhammadillo Shermatov

Interview · Face To Face Interviews

Business Diplomat: Test, Then Go Global

Kazakhstan and Türkiye first, Australia later: Mushtariybonu Josaphine Tulanboyeva proposes a three-step method that lets entrepreneurs test ideas safely and measures success by signed agreements. Interviewed by: Muhammadillo Shermatov Interviewee: Mushtariybonu Josaphine Tulanboyeva, Former Protocol Associate

Muhammadillo Shermatov

Interview · Face To Face Interviews

Business Diplomat: Protocol in the Digital Age

The way diplomats communicate is changing, but respect, professionalism and mutual understanding remain the same, says Elene Metreveli. In online negotiations, even the tone of an email or the speed of a reply can shape a relationship. Interviewed by: Olha Pashchenko Interviewee: Elene Metreveli, Policy Adviser to a Member of the European Parliament (EPP Group)

Olha Pashchenko

Interview · Face To Face Interviews

Business Diplomat: Opportunity Without Privilege

International opportunities should not depend on money or personal connections, says Elene Metreveli, pointing to paid traineeships, professional exchanges and partnerships between universities, businesses and public institutions. Interviewed by: Olha Pashchenko Interviewee: Elene Metreveli, Policy Adviser to a Member of the European Parliament (EPP Group)

Olha Pashchenko

Interview · Face To Face Interviews

Business Diplomat: An Investment in the Future

Elene Metreveli argues that young people’s international experience is not an expense but a public investment, building the ability to understand other societies, work across backgrounds and see beyond the national perspective. Interviewed by: Olha Pashchenko Interviewee: Elene Metreveli, Policy Adviser to a Member of the European Parliament (EPP Group)

Olha Pashchenko

Interview · Face To Face Interviews

Business Diplomat: Purposeful Investment

Public support for young people’s international experience must be purposeful, Elene Metreveli says: it should help individuals succeed independently, contribute to their communities and create opportunities for others. Interviewed by: Olha Pashchenko Interviewee: Elene Metreveli, Policy Adviser to a Member of the European Parliament (EPP Group)

Olha Pashchenko

Politics · International Relations

Tokayev’s Russia Proposal: What Are the Implications for EU–OTS Relations?

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s proposal to involve Russia in the Organization of Turkic States through the OTS+ framework or observer status raises an important question: can an organisation seeking wider international influence accommodate Moscow without complicating its members’ relations with Europe? The proposal, presented at the Ankara summit on 30 October, concerns possible participation, not an already approved Russian status.

Derya Soysal

Politics · International Relations

APEC’s Opening for China-US Cooperation

APEC in Shenzhen gives Beijing and Washington a venue to test whether shared interest in predictability can outlast the next tariff dispute, with supply chains across Asia watching for signals.

Muhammad Asif Noor

Politics · International Relations

13th Summit of Turkic States Opens in Ankara

ANKARA – The 13th Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) opened in Ankara on Friday under the theme “Turkic Century: Unity in Language, Thought and Deed.”

Derya Soysal

Politics · International Relations

Why Is Central Asia Attracting Growing Global Interest?

Central Asia’s growing economic potential, relative stability and strategic transport links are attracting major powers, while its countries balance competing interests through a multi-vector foreign policy. This article is based on a speech by Qodir Djurayev, Professor at the University of World Economy and Diplomacy in Tashkent.

EUReflect News

Travel · Travel Diplomacy

Bulut Bağcı: "We Reaffirm Our Confidence in Brussels and Belgium"

Global Tourism Forum President and Visit Brussels Ambassador Bulut Bağcı attended an exclusive gathering at the Warwick Brussels Hotel, where he met with former Visit Brussels Ambassadors to exchange views on the city’s growing international profile, its role as a global hub for tourism and business events, and opportunities for future collaboration.

EUReflect News

Travel · Culture Heritage

Malaysia: Culture, Quality and Value

With Visit Malaysia 2026 approaching, the country is leveraging its multicultural heritage and cost advantages to attract European travellers seeking value without compromising on experience.

Botakoz Unbayeva