Budapest, 20 December 2023(TDI): President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expresses his gratitude for the honor of attending the 6th meeting of the Turkiye-Hungary High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council in Budapest.
Today, both countries commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Turkiye-Hungary Friendship Treaty, which opened diplomatic relations between them.
Celebrating a Century of Friendship
The Turkey-Hungary Culture Year, which will begin in Budapest in 2024, officially opened its doors with President Novak and Prime Minister Orban on the 100th anniversary of the Turkiye-Hungary Friendship Agreement of 1923.
In addition to this, high-level visits, historical and cultural ties, and cooperation within international organizations such as NATO, the EU, the Council of Europe, and the Organization of Turkic States have all assisted in establishing Turkey and Hungary’s peaceful relations.
Additionally, Hungary’s help in getting EU membership further enhanced their relations. After the formation of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) in 2013, Turkey-Hungary relations increased to a state of strategic collaboration. By 2023, two-way relations were determined to reach the Enhanced Strategic Partnership level.
Strategic Collaboration and Economic Progress
| Years | Export | Import | Balance | Volume |
| 2019 | 1.423 | 1.308 | +115 | 2.731 |
| 2020 | 1.263 | 1.471 | -207 | 2.734 |
| 2021 | 1.40 | 1.645 | -245 | 3.045 |
| 2022 | 1.597 | 1.849 | -252 | 3.446 |
Source : Turkish Statistical Institute (million Dollar)
Both sides reviewed bilateral ties and underlined that their trade volume reached $4 billion in the first 11 months of this year, with a mutual objective of $6 billion.
They aimed to enhance connections in the military and energy, where they already have successful partnerships. Moreover, they agreed that conflict and violence are not the solution in Palestine and Ukraine, and they underlined the need for the international community to send the right words.
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As per the reports, their combined goal for bilateral trade volume with Hungary was $6 billion. Meanwhile, their primary export items are machinery, motor cars, iron, steel, metal, and plastic.
On the other hand, the main import items include plastic, motor vehicles, organic chemicals, and their parts. Additionally, in 2022, the value of their bilateral trade exceeded 3.446 billion dollars.
One important aspect of their bilateral ties with Hungary is their partnership in the fields of culture and education. This connection is strengthened via the Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Center (YETKM) in Budapest and the Hungarian Cultural Center Liszt Institute in Istanbul.
During Recep Tayyib Erdogan’s official visit to Budapest , the “Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation on Graduate Policies and Scholarship Programs” was signed by Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkiye, and Janos Csak, Minister of Culture and Innovation of Hungary.
Additionally, both parties signed a few memoranda of understanding that aim to boost official scholarship programs, share graduation policies, carry out cultural and social events, and provide language courses, internships, and short-term training for government employees and students.
Looking ahead, in 2024, the two countries plan to allow their delegates to participate in education and cultural initiatives and explore partnerships under the Turkish Communication Program for Public Officials and Academicians (KATIP).
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