Qatar has shown particular interest in collaborating with the armed forces of NATO member states.Continue reading
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán hosted Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, at the Carmelite Monastery, where they discussed enhancing economic and energy cooperation, agricultural trade, and shared support for pro-peace initiatives.
Hungary and Qatar elevated their relations to a strategic level during the Emir of Qatar’s visit to Budapest in August 2023, marking a new phase in bilateral ties. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó emphasized Qatar’s respect and friendship, recalling, “I was the first foreign guest received by the Qatari Prime Minister after his swearing-in.” Hungary also seeks deeper EU-Gulf region cooperation, pushing for a free trade agreement and visa-free travel for Gulf nationals.
The EU could greatly benefit from closer ties with this dynamic part of the world,” the Hungarian Foreign Minister stressed.
Economic discussions focused on expanding cooperation, particularly in energy and agriculture. Qatar’s status as the second-largest LNG (liquefied natural gas) exporter presents opportunities, with talks underway to include Qatari gas in Hungary’s supplies by 2027. Minister Szijjártó highlighted, “strategic cooperation has already boosted our agricultural exports,” noting significant increases in cheese, premixes, and poultry exports. Over 100 tons of cheese and three million eggs were exported this year.
Viktor Orbán and his Qatari counterpart reaffirmed their pro-peace stances, emphasizing diplomacy in resolving conflicts such as the war in Ukraine.
We are proud to belong to the global pro-peace majority with Qatar,” the Hungarian Prime Minister said.
The politicians also discussed Qatar’s efforts in securing the release of Hungarian hostages held by Hamas. Péter Szijjártó praised Qatar’s anti-terrorism efforts, adding, “fighting terrorism helps reduce illegal migration pressures.”
Concluding the talks, both Viktor Orbán and Sheikh Al-Thani expressed optimism for further cooperation. Hungary’s EU presidency in 2024 is expected to bolster these strategic ties.
Via MTI; Featured Image: MTI / Miniszterelnöki Sajtóiroda / Fischer Zoltán