Budapest: After a meeting with the Kazakh president, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán emphasized that Central Asia is rapidly becoming one of the world’s most dynamic and competitive regions, with Kazakhstan emerging as its leading nation. He remarked that the region will be pivotal to global economic development over the next 15 to 20 years.
According to About Hungary, PM Orbán noted the historical ties between Hungary and Kazakhstan, pointing out that the ancestors of Hungarians started their westward journey from the area around present-day Kazakhstan. He highlighted that the Kazakh president’s visit was not only about fostering business and trade but also about acknowledging the shared history and friendship between the two nations. Key topics of discussion included exploring new energy sources and developing international transport routes, which are expected to dominate global discussions over the next two to three decades.
PM Orbán further stated that Europe cannot thrive without imported energy and unders
cored the strategic importance of Kazakhstan and Central Asia in ensuring energy security for Hungary and the continent. He referred to Kazakhstan as a “strategic partner” in this regard. As part of their meeting, PM Orbán and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev adopted a joint statement to mark the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between Hungary and Kazakhstan. Representatives from both countries also exchanged documents related to newly signed Kazakh-Hungarian agreements.
The Hungarian Prime Minister noted that trade between Hungary and Kazakhstan has doubled over the past decade. However, he believes there is still untapped potential in their economic relationship, anticipating a “breakthrough” in Kazakh-Hungarian economic cooperation. To this end, both leaders agreed to enhance collaboration in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food, agriculture, and water management. They also set goals to establish direct flights between the two capitals and agreed on creating a Kazakh-Hungarian investment fun
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Highlighting the presence of Hungarian oil and gas company MOL in Kazakhstan for nearly 20 years, PM Orbán said that the new agreements would enable further expansion of its activities. Additionally, he mentioned Hungary’s new initiatives in the nuclear industry, coinciding with Kazakhstan’s impending launch of its first nuclear program.
PM Orbán also shared that Hungary offers 250 scholarships annually to Kazakh students, describing them as a “golden bridge” between the two countries. During Hungary’s presidency of the European Council, efforts are being made to enhance EU-Kazakh cooperation, including convening an EU-Kazakhstan cooperation council and working towards a visa facilitation agreement to strengthen economic and personal ties.
