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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met in Ankara on Thursday to discuss pressing global issues and strengthen bilateral ties. The talks, which included Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó and his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, covered peace prospects in Ukraine and the Middle East, energy collaboration, and economic partnerships.
Held at the Turkish presidential palace, the meeting commenced with a focused discussion between the foreign ministers before progressing to a working lunch featuring delegations from both nations. Orbán’s press chief, Bertalan Havasi, emphasized the importance of these discussions, especially Hungary’s commitment to peace efforts in war-torn regions.
Report from #Ankara. Half a year ago, no one wanted to hear about #peace, now everyone is talking about it. We have opened the door, and meaningful negotiations can now begin. This is the greatest achievement of the Hungarian EU presidency. #HU24EU @RTErdogan pic.twitter.com/GbxDIlZYZN
— Orbán Viktor (@PM_ViktorOrban) December 12, 2024
Both leaders underscored the urgency of brokering peace in Ukraine, with Hungary reiterating its long-held position that
solutions lie at the negotiating table, not on the battlefield.”
Türkiye’s past success in mediating the Black Sea Grain Initiative was highlighted as a model for future diplomatic efforts.
Photo: MTI/Miniszterelnöki Sajtóiroda/Fischer Zoltán
According to Péter Szijjártó, Hungary and Türkiye’s aligned approach to international conflicts serves as a foundation for their strategic partnership. “Türkiye has been the only truly successful mediator in the Ukraine conflict over the past thousand days,” he noted, emphasizing that both nations aim to accelerate ceasefire and peace negotiations.
Energy cooperation took center stage during the talks, as Hungary became the first non-neighboring country to import Turkish natural gas, with 275 million cubic meters purchased in 2024.
This partnership is set to continue in 2025, ensuring Hungary’s energy security amid volatile global markets.
Another key milestone is the new collaboration between Hungary’s MOL Group and Türkiye’s national oil company TPAO. The agreement will see MOL participate in Turkish oil exploration projects while providing TPAO access to the Hungarian energy market. Minister Szijjártó described this as a “strategic breakthrough” that cements energy ties between the two nations.
Bilateral trade has also reached record levels this year, reflecting deepening economic interdependence. The partnership is now expanding into new sectors, including inter-bank cooperation and railway infrastructure development.
The Hungarian-Turkish Cultural Year, culminating in a gala concert in Ankara, was a testament to the long-standing ties between the two countries. Featuring performances by Hungarian and Turkish artists, the event celebrated over a century of friendship and cooperation.
Deep-rooted friendship and strategic alliance. Meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan @RTErdogan.
We are committed to deepening our cooperation further, based on mutual respect, and our multifaceted partnership. Continue to advance our bilateral relations. #Ankara pic.twitter.com/W6TLYU9HXg
— Dr. Tamás Sulyok (@DrTamasSulyok) December 12, 2024
Hungary’s President Tamás Sulyok, who also attended the talks, praised the strategic alliance, noting that
the two nations act as “bridges between East and West.”
Plans are already underway to designate 2025 as the Hungarian-Turkish Year of Science and Innovation. This initiative will focus on joint research projects, innovation exchange, and academic collaboration, further deepening ties between the two nations.
On the centenary of our diplomatic relations, the season showcased our relations in art and innovation, forming a solid foundation for the cooperation between our two countries.
Today’s closing ceremony was a dignified conclusion to the Hungarian-Turkish Cultural Season. pic.twitter.com/a9OwEuuKwG— Dr. Tamás Sulyok (@DrTamasSulyok) December 12, 2024
Türkiye’s pivotal role in regional stability and its importance to the European Union were key discussion points. As a strategic EU partner, Türkiye contributes to energy security, counter-terrorism, and migration management. Hungary, currently advocating for Türkiye’s EU accession process, emphasized the necessity of closer cooperation to address shared challenges like illegal migration.
Via MTI; Featured image via MTI/Miniszterelnöki Sajtóiroda/Fischer Zoltán
