Turkey and Kazakhstan Sign a Historic Agreement and Belgium Prepares to Take on a Strategic Role

By Kadir Duran / Bruxelles Korner

In Almaty, the academic and intellectual heart of Kazakhstan, a significant and historic protocol was signed between the Federation of Journalists of the Turkic World (TDGF) and the Union of Journalists of Kazakhstan.

The goal: to establish a more integrated, professional, and influential media cooperation network across the countries of the Turkic world.

The signing ceremony, hosted by Turan University, brought together the President of the Turkish Journalists Federation (TGF) Yılmaz Karaca, TDGF President Menderes Demir, TİMDER President Süleyman Basa, as well as numerous regional press representatives.

A Strategic First Step with Belgium Now Entering the Process

Beyond its symbolic value, this agreement marks the beginning of a new architecture of cooperation that will include the diaspora and European media institutions.

And now, a new stage is taking shape:

“The first step has been taken. The next move belongs to AEPİ the European Association of Independent Press in Belgium.”

AEPİ is led by Kadir Duran, who is also a Board Member of the TGF.

This positions Belgium and by extension Brussels at the very center of the emerging media bridge linking Ankara, Almaty, and Europe’s capitals.

Through this expansion:

• the Turkish diaspora media in Europe will be integrated into the cooperation framework,

• direct partnerships with European newsrooms will become possible,

• and Brussels, already the political capital of Europe, is now poised to become a central hub for Turkic-language media.

Karaca: “The united voice of the Turkic world will be stronger”

Speaking at the ceremony, TGF President Yılmaz Karaca emphasized that the agreement goes far beyond its technical dimension:

“This protocol is a historic step not only in the field of media but also in strengthening our cultural ties. The united voice of the Turkic world will now resonate more powerfully and more coherently.”

An International Symposium on the Challenges of Modern Journalism

The signing of the protocol took place alongside an international symposium that brought together journalists, scholars, and experts.

Key topics included:

• journalistic ethics and independence,

• digital transformation,

• combating disinformation,

• and the rise of new media formats.

These discussions highlighted both the shared challenges of Turkic-world media and the opportunities for cross-border collaboration.

A Media Vision Extending Toward Europe

The agreement signed in Almaty represents the first step in a broader movement.

Its objectives are clear:

• to build a collaborative media network,

• to strengthen professional standards,

• to produce reliable, cross-border media content,

• and to connect the newsrooms of the Turkic world with Europe’s media ecosystems.

In this context, Belgium and especially AEPİ is expected to play a decisive role in the coming months.

Brussels, already a diplomatic bridge between Europe and Central Asia, is now emerging as a new media crossroads for the Turkic world.