The talks between Hungary and Türkiye on establishing enhanced strategic partnership have begun since the cooperation between the two countries plays a key role in handling the three main security challenges facing our country. This was stated by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó after having talks in Budapest with his Turkish counterpart, Mevlüt Cavusoglu.
During their joint press conference the Hungarian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade stressed that the recent developments have significantly enhanced the role of Türkiye. As far as Hungary is concerned, we highly appreciate the role of Ankara in meeting the most important global challenges. As a neighbor of Ukraine, Hungary gravely and immediately feels the negative impact of the war, and for this reason is interested in peace as early as possible. “You can put an end to the war only by having negotiations, this has also been proved by the successful mediation efforts of Türkiye,” said the Minister, with reference to the agreement on re-launching the export of grain from Ukraine. In connection with this, Péter Szijjártó asked Ankara to continue its mediation efforts, since as a result of them, the world could get closer to peace. During the press conference, Péter Szijjártó greeted Attila Tilki MP (FIDESZ) who is a member of the Council of Elders, working within the Organization of Turkic States. The Council had initiated to nominate President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for Nobel Peace Prize.
After this, the Hungarian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade pointed out that Türkiye also plays a great role in handling the crisis in energy security in Europe. This is indispensable for guaranteeing the energy supply of Hungary since by today TurkStream has become the only East–West gas pipeline on the continent that operates with its full capacity. The energy security of the future depends on diversification. The most realistic scenario for this in the mid-term means the inclusion of the enhanced gas production of the Republic of Azerbaijan for which – because of geographical reasons – Türkiye is also needed. The discussions on transit among the companies have already started. “We are already talking on Hungarian companies having a greater access to the Turkish network of gas pipelines so that we could transport natural gas from Azerbaijan to Hungary“ – said the Minister. The cooperation between Hungary and Türkiye provides great assistance to managing the main security challenges. Recognizing this fact, the two countries have agreed to elevate their strategic partnership by one notch. The Agreement on that could be signed during the next high level meeting, indicated Péter Szijjártó.
Answering a question by a journalist, the Minister confirmed: the Government of Hungary supports the accession of Sweden and Finland to NATO. The instruments of ratification will be submitted to Parliament in February. At the same time, Péter Szijjártó made it clear that he had not urged the Turkish side in this matter, just like he never presses any other country on issues that Hungary is not involved in.
