Hungary and Türkiye are restarting structured cooperation between their foreign ministries and opening a new dialogue on security policy, Hungarian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Anita Orbán said following talks in Ankara on Thursday.
The meeting marked the first Hungarian-Turkish foreign ministerial talks since Hungary’s new government took office, according to Orbán. The two sides held several hours of discussions, during which the Hungarian-Turkish Joint Planning Group also met in Ankara for the first time.
The group is responsible for coordinating key issues between the two countries and helping organise high-level meetings.
New dialogue on security and EU affairs
Orbán said Hungary and Türkiye would relaunch structured professional cooperation between their foreign ministries and initiate a new dialogue on security policy.
Hungary will also provide practical assistance to Türkiye in EU-related matters. Through the TAIEX programme, Hungarian EU experts will share their knowledge and experience with Turkish institutions as part of the two countries’ cooperation.
TAIEX is an EU technical assistance programme that helps partner countries align their legislation, institutions and practices with EU standards.
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Energy and defence industry cooperation to continue
The two countries also agreed to continue developing their energy cooperation, while strengthening economic and defence industry ties. Orbán said Hungary and Türkiye would also take further steps to expand transport connections between the two countries.
One recent development is the direct Budapest–Ankara flight, which began operating in April 2026. Orbán also noted that the Hungarian Parliament has ratified a new air services agreement with Türkiye. Once the agreement enters into force, Hungary expects air traffic between the two countries to develop further.
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Türkiye’s wider security concerns
The talks also took place against the backdrop of a number of international security issues. At a joint press conference, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Türkiye had completed preparations to submit its Mecca defence agreement to parliament for approval. He stressed that the agreement is defensive in nature and provides for mutual support if one of its parties comes under attack.
Fidan also discussed the war in Ukraine, warning against the conflict spreading into the Black Sea and highlighting the impact of attacks on shipping and navigational safety.
The Turkish minister additionally addressed the situation in Gaza and the West Bank, saying Türkiye would continue its diplomatic efforts to support humanitarian aid and a lasting peace.
For Hungary, however, Thursday’s meeting marked a restart of bilateral diplomatic cooperation, with energy, defence industry, EU affairs, security policy and transport links among the key areas identified for closer cooperation.
