Kazakhstan and
Hungary are set to boost mutual trade turnover to $1 billion in the near
future. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Hungarian Prime Minister
Viktor Orban, who is currently on an official visit to Kazakhstan, discussed
the current state and future prospects of relations between the two countries.
Prior to the talks in both narrow and expanded formats, a welcoming ceremony
was held at the Akorda Presidential Palace. The Head of State emphasized that
the visit will give an impetus to bilateral cooperation and expressed gratitude
for accepting the invitation and participating in the 10th-anniversary summit
of the Organization of Turkic States. President Tokayev also highlighted the common
historical roots of the two nations, which became the foundation for a mutually
beneficial partnership.
“We take pride in
the fact that the descendants of the Kipchak tribes, who migrated to Europe
from the Torgai steppe in the Middle Ages, now reside in Hungary.
Kazakh-Hungarian integration is developing dynamically in all spheres thanks to
our joint efforts. Dear Mr. Prime Minister, you are making an invaluable
contribution in this regard. We are keen to further deepen our fraternal
relations and foster mutually beneficial cooperation,” Tokayev said.
For his part, Orban
commended the level of partnership between the two countries, underscoring that
Hungary has been and will remain a reliable strategic partner of Kazakhstan.
“We have come to Kazakhstan
to give a new impetus to relations between our countries. Hungary shares the
closest historical ties with Kazakhstan in this region, and we are truly happy
for your success. Kazakhstan is an outstanding country with remarkable
achievements. Every time I come here leaves a profound impression on me,” Orban
said.
Despite the
geopolitical tensions in the world, trade between Kazakhstan and Hungary
increased by over 20 percent last year. The growth dynamics will continue,
given all the necessary conditions created, including the Intergovernmental
Commission on Economic Cooperation and the Business Council. Overall,
Kazakhstan can ensure the supply of nearly one hundred types of goods worth
$700 million to Hungary.
“A list of mutually
beneficial projects is currently under development. By year-end, a major gas
condensate field named ‘Rozhkovskoye’ in western Kazakhstan will commence
operations, with Hungarian oil and gas company MOL contributing $192 million.
Additionally, Globalia plans to build solar power plants in several regions of
the country,” Tokayev added.
The cultural and
humanitarian sphere has become the golden bridge of Kazakh-Hungarian relations.
With the Hungarian government’s support, Kazakh students have been receiving
grants to study in Hungary for 10 years. Today, the parties signed a memorandum
to extend the program. In recognition of his significant contribution to the
development and strengthening of bilateral relations, President Tokayev awarded
Hungary’s Prime Minister the Dostyk Order, First Class.
Editor: Aizhan
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