The statements made by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the joint press conference with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban reflect the strong ties between Turkey and Hungary and their vision for the future. This important meeting has a historical significance by coinciding with the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations.
Erdoğan emphasized that the friendship between Turkey and Hungary, which has developed on the basis of historical ties and cultural affinities, actually extends beyond a century, and that they have further reinforced this friendship with mutual high-level visits. Events such as the official visit of his Hungarian counterpart Katalin Novak and Prime Minister Orban’s visit to Ankara have contributed to increased cooperation between the countries.
Especially at the Extraordinary Summit of the Organization of Turkic States, Hungary’s becoming an observer member and contributing to this organization was welcomed, according to Erdoğan. In this context, it is observed that the cooperation between the countries is strengthening not only on bilateral but also on multilateral level.
The goal of increasing the volume of trade has also been at the forefront. According to Erdoğan’s statements, in the first 11 months of this year, the trade volume surpassed the previous year and approached 4 billion dollars. The expression of determination to reach the target of $6 billion in trade between the two countries points to the further strengthening of economic relations.
Moreover, although there is already fruitful cooperation in strategic areas such as defense industry and energy, further strengthening of relations in these areas is planned. This reflects the aim of Turkey and Hungary to enhance the level of strategic partnership and expand the areas of future cooperation.
The issues discussed and the steps taken at the Council Meeting chaired by the two leaders demonstrate the aim of achieving an even stronger level of cooperation and strategic partnership in Turkey-Hungary relations.
The latest news following President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s statements evaluating Turkey-Hungary relations shows that these relations are being addressed in a broad perspective. Erdoğan’s statement that he welcomed Hungary’s assumption of the rotating presidency of the European Union in the second half of 2024 and its support for Turkey’s EU membership in this process is an important reflection of both bilateral relations and regional diplomacy.
According to Erdoğan, Hungary’s strong support for Turkey’s EU membership shows that Turkey-Hungary relations are based on cooperation not only in bilateral dimension but also in international platforms. Hungary’s EU presidency is expected to contribute to a positive atmosphere in Turkey’s relations with the EU.
In particular, the convergence of views on Palestine and Ukraine reveals the similarity of Turkey and Hungary’s approaches to regional issues. Erdoğan’s emphasis on the importance of working towards a diplomatic solution in Ukraine shows that Turkey is ready to fulfill its responsibility for regional peace and stability. Moreover, Turkey’s efforts regarding the events in Gaza emphasize its contribution to peace and stability in the region.
Erdoğan’s statements that the establishment of an independent state on the 1967 borders is inevitable in the Palestinian issue reflect Turkey’s sensitivity to the injustices in the region and the importance it attaches to the rights of the Palestinian people. At this point, Hungary is expected to support Turkey’s efforts on international platforms.
Turkey-Hungary relations are shaped not only at the bilateral level but also in cooperation on regional and international issues and it is possible to say that these relations have a broad perspective. Hungary’s support for Turkey during its EU presidency is an indication that this cooperation has a comprehensive and strategic dimension.
News sources used Anadolu Agency
