President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban Address Media After High-Level Talks

President Tokayev highlighted the deep historical and cultural connections between Kazakhs and Hungarians, noting that despite the geographical distance between the Danube and the Altai, the two nations share common aspirations and goals.

“The first Kazakh embassy in Central Europe was established in Hungary 30 years ago. Since then, our relations, built on friendship and mutual understanding, have grown steadily. Hungary is a reliable strategic partner for Kazakhstan in the European Union. My visit aims to provide fresh momentum to our cooperation, particularly in political dialogue and joint economic projects,” said President Tokayev.

Expanding Economic Cooperation

Discussions focused on increasing bilateral trade, boosting investment cooperation, and exploring new areas of partnership. Tokayev revealed that trade between the two nations grew by 9% last year, and the goal is to increase trade turnover to $1 billion. Kazakhstan is prepared to supply 95 types of goods worth $700 million, including energy, metallurgy, agriculture, and petrochemical products.

Hungarian companies have shown growing interest in Kazakh markets, with $370 million in investments made since 2005. Tokayev announced a $62 million agreement with Hungary’s UBM Holding to build three feed production plants in Kazakhstan.

Both leaders emphasized the importance of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor. Tokayev noted a new memorandum signed between Kazakh, Hungarian, and Chinese companies to strengthen trade and transport links. “Kazakhstan handles 85% of overland transit traffic between Asia and Europe, with future volumes expected to reach 10 million tons of cargo,” he said.

Cultural and Humanitarian Collaboration

President Tokayev expressed gratitude for Hungary’s long-standing support for cultural and academic exchanges, including grants provided to Kazakh students for over a decade. Thousands of Kazakh students have studied at Hungarian universities.

He also commended Hungary’s participation in the World Nomad Games in Astana, describing such events as crucial for fostering ties between “fraternal peoples” with shared historical roots.

Multilateral Engagement

Both leaders acknowledged the success of their cooperation within international organizations such as the United Nations, the OSCE, and the Organization of Turkic States (OTG). Tokayev praised Viktor Orban’s contributions to Turkic integration, underlining Hungary’s active role in promoting the OTG’s international profile.

Viktor Orban’s Remarks

Prime Minister Orban noted the historical significance of Tokayev’s visit, the first by a Kazakh president to Hungary in 17 years.

“We discussed expanding trade and economic ties, our shared history, and strong friendship. Both nations have mutual interests in developing trade, identifying new energy resources, and constructing international energy routes. We will work together to fully realize the potential of Hungarian-Kazakh economic cooperation,” Orban stated.

The briefing concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to advancing bilateral ties and exploring new opportunities for collaboration in various fields.