Government: Türkiye to be strategic partner before end-2023

Further improving cooperation with Türkiye is “one of the most important priorities” for the Hungarian government, and “the level of ties will be elevated to strategic partnership” before the end of the year, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó said in Budapest on Friday.

Addressing a reception marking Türkiye’s national holiday at the Turkish embassy, Szijjártó referred to the wars in Ukraine and Israel, and said “countries ensuring security and stability to entire regions”, such as Türkiye, are “highly appreciated”.

Hungary is committed to achieving peace and settling conflicts through diplomacy, and “highly appreciates countries that are successful in making peace.”

Contrary to those that think that “conditions for peace will improve over time, the Hungarian government thinks that chances for peace are getting worse by the day,” he said.

Highlighting Türkiye’s role in mediating last year’s agreement concerning grain exports from Ukraine, Szijjártó said “we are looking to the Turkish government to continue its efforts in the interest of peace”.