Hungary would like to have closer ties with Kazakhstan

Márton Nagy, the economic development minister, has met Alibek Kuantyrov, Kazakhstan’s minister of national economy, the ministry said on Friday.

Nagy is in Kazakhstan as a member of the delegation headed by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán attending a meeting of the Organisation of Turkic States in Astana between November 1 and 3.

At the meeting, Nagy and Kuantyrov reviewed the two countries’ economic ties, especially those in energy, agriculture, logistics and the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, the statement said. Nagy said “reliable partnerships based on mutual respect and common sense” were especially important amid current challenges.

Hungary has recently opened channels to transport crude oil from Kazakhstan, a “leap forward” in Hungary’s energy security, the ministry cited Nagy as saying. Both countries are committed to developing and diversifying economic ties, especially in boosting investments cooperation in manufacturing gas and oil production equipment, as well as in water management, sustainable energy, green transition and cooperation in third countries, the statement said.

Finaince Minister meets Kazakh counterpart

Finance Minister Mihály Varga met his Kazakh counterpart Yerulan Zhamaubayev to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in the areas of politics and security, the economy, energy, water management, farming and education between the two countries in Astana on Thursday, the finance ministry said.

Varga, who is co-chairman of the Hungarian-Kazakh Intergovernmental Economic Cooperation Committee, chairman of Parliament’s Hungarian-Kazakh Friendship Group and co-chairman of the Hungarian-Kazakh Strategic Council, said Kazakhstan is our most important trade partner in Central Asia.

He noted that bilateral trade grew by 80 percent to reach 450 million dollars in January-July this year. Varga said Hungary’s main area of exports was pharmaceuticals, but he could see potential for further cooperation opportunities in the green economy, water management, farming, the energy industry and healthcare. Varga is travelling as part of a delegation visiting Kazakhstan, led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, to have bilateral talks and to attend the 10th summit of the Organization of Turkic States.

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