Kazakhstan a key target in developing Hungary’s Eastern relations, says the government
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.
Kövér also highlighted that while Hungary is under continuous pressure to cut its dependence on Russian energy, the country cannot do without it. Diversifying energy imports, however, remains a priority, and in this regard, Hungary counts on Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan.
According to Kövér, Hungary seeks to serve as a political, economic, and cultural meeting point between East and West, just as Kazakhstan plays a key role in the Central Asian region. “But this is only possible if there is peace in the world. This is the shared interest that brings our countries together,” he said.
During his visit to Astana, Kövér received a high state honour: the President of Kazakhstan awarded him the Order of Friendship (Dostyk) for his work in strengthening cooperation between the two countries. The decoration was presented by Speaker Kosanov. The Hungarian Speaker emphasised that the award symbolises friendship between nations, mutual understanding between societies, and cooperation between countries.
He recalled that official relations between the two countries were established more than thirty years ago, but the friendship between the Hungarian and Kazakh peoples goes back much further, as evidenced by their common roots, traditions, and linguistic links.
Kazakh leaders praised Hungary’s role in bilateral relations and expressed their gratitude for Hungary providing study opportunities for 250 Kazakh students under the Stipendium Hungaricum program. They also welcomed the current and future economic involvement of Hungarian companies in Kazakhstan.