Kazakhstan a key target in developing Hungary’s Eastern relations, says the government
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Developing relations with the East is a priority in Hungary’s foreign policy, within which Kazakhstan is a key target area, said Speaker of the National Assembly László Kövér during his talks in Kazakhstan on Wednesday.
At the invitation of the Kazakh Speaker, Kövér paid a one-day visit to Astana, where he held discussions with his host, Erlan Koshanov, Speaker of the Kazakh Parliament; Maulen Ashimbayev, Chairman of the Senate; and Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov.
During the talks, the Hungarian Speaker underlined that Hungary, as an EU member state and especially as a Central European country, attaches great importance to its strategic relations with Kazakhstan. He emphasised that in times of crisis, the significance of East-West cooperation increases, particularly in areas such as trade, the diversification of energy resources, and the development of international transport routes, where Kazakhstan plays a key role.
Kövér pointed out that despite the geographical distance, Hungary is making significant efforts to strengthen cooperation between the European Union and Central Asia. Whether in economic relations, security policy, combating terrorism, illegal migration, or tackling climate change, the interests of Europe and Central Asia coincide, he added.
He stressed that the Hungarian National Assembly is committed to bilateral and multilateral cooperation, including within organisations uniting Turkic peoples, and that Hungary is interested in Kazakhstan’s wider engagement with EU institutions.
The Speaker recalled that Hungary underwent significant economic development between 2012 and 2022, which was also reflected in improved living conditions. However, this momentum was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by the war in Ukraine and its consequences, including inflation and the decline of trade relations. He emphasised that the EU’s sanctions policy has harmed member states—especially Central European countries—more than Russia.