Hungarian premier says Turkic world emerging as dynamic, strengthening force

ISTANBUL

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Monday hailed Türkiye’s regional role and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s diplomatic efforts, saying the Turkic world is emerging as a dynamic and strengthening force.

Speaking alongside the Turkish president at a press conference in Istanbul, Orban said Erdogan had told him that a different world is coming and the Turkic world will gather great energy, and that he observed a grand vision behind the concept of "Turkish century."

Earlier in the day, Erdogan received Orban ahead of the 7th meeting of the Türkiye-Hungary High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council.

The Hungarian premier appreciated Türkiye’s efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, describing Erdogan as "the only successful mediator" in the process.

Budapest believes there is no solution to the issue on the battlefield, he said, stressing that peace must be made instead.

Orban said they have good hopes and views on the political, energy, economic, and defense industry dimensions of the bilateral ties.

Hungary's relationship with the Turkic world has always been of great importance, he said. Hungary is an observer member in the Organization of Turkic states.

Orban also expressed gratitude to Erdogan for Türkiye's migration policy, adding that his country will do everything in its power to ensure Ankara's efforts are recognized in Brussels and the US.

He said Hungary agreed for the continuation of gas supply from Russia, having no other source options, and thanked Türkiye for ensuring natural gas transfer and transportation.

Last month, the US granted Hungary a one-year exemption from US sanctions for using Russian oil and gas.

Orban said also said that 7.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas was transferred from Türkiye to Hungary [via the TurkStream pipeline] so far this year.

Highlighting the growing importance of the defense industry in Europe, Orban said the relations between the two countries are already well-established in this regard.