On 10 March 2021, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Mr. Péter Szijjártó paid a working visit to Baku where he was received by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Ilham Aliyev via videoconference format.
Welcoming the Minister, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that enhancing cooperation in economy and trade will give further impetus to the ever-growing strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Hungary. Taking into account the severe damage and destruction caused as a result of occupation, it was noted that international partners will be invited to contribute to the recovery and reconstruction of the liberated territories of Azerbaijan with a renewed urban planning and modern infrastructure. President Ilham Aliyev expressed his belief that reconstruction works in the liberated territories will also provide opportunities for the Hungarian companies.
Minister Péter Szijjártó expressed his gratitude and reiterated Hungary’s firm stance, throughout the span of decades-long occupation, in support of the internationally recognized borders of Azerbaijan. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade assured that Hungary will continue this approach in an uncompromising manner.
Within the framework of the working visit, Minister Péter Szijjártó held several meetings with members of the Government of Azerbaijan: Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Jeyhun Bayramov; Minister of Energy, Mr. Parviz Shahbazov; Minister of Labour and Social Protection and co-chair of the Azerbaijan-Hungary Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation, Mr. Sahil Babayev. During the meetings the sides made deliberations on cooperation in energy, humanitarian spheres, issues of cooperation and mutual support within international organizations. The parties also noted the satisfactory level of the trade turnover achieved in the fiscal year of 2020.
Moreover, a Memorandum of Understanding on “Cooperation in the Field of Information and Documentation” was signed between the Azerbaijan Diplomatic Academy (ADA University) and Diplomatic Academy of Hungary. Also, a Business Forum was organized with the participation of businessmen from Azerbaijan and Hungary at which the sides exchanged views on the future projects to be realized in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan.
