PM Orban Receives A Returning Guest

One of Prime Minister Orban's key allies, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is on another visit to Hungary. The two leaders are set to discuss economic matters, and President Erdogan will also meet Hungarian President Katalin Novak. This isn't President Erdogan's first visit to Budapest this year; the last one was in August. This year holds special significance for Hungary-Turkey relations as the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, officially establishing diplomatic ties, was signed 100 years ago in 1923.

Asztana, 2023. november 2. A Miniszterelnöki Sajtóiroda által közreadott képen Orbán Viktor miniszterelnök (b) és Recep Tayyip Erdogan török elnök kezet fog kétoldalú megbeszélésükön Asztanában 2023. november 2-án. A két vezetõ a Türk Államok Szervezetének 10. csúcstalálkozójára érkezett a kazah fõvárosba. MTI/Miniszterelnöki Sajtóiroda/Fischer Zoltán Fotó: Miniszterelnöki Sajtóiroda/Fischer Zoltán

Economic relations and diplomatic issues, encompassing topics such as the ongoing conflict in Israel and Turkey's relations with the EU, are expected to feature prominently in discussions between PM Orban and Recep Tayyip Erdogan during their meeting in Budapest on Monday. The Turkish president is visiting the Hungarian capital for a session of the Hungarian-Turkish High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, but Turkish press reports suggest that he will also engage in bilateral talks. President Erdogan will be also be received by Hungarian President Katalin Novak, according to Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency. 

Press reports indicate that Hungarian-Turkish economic relations may see a significant boost, with both countries aiming to elevate their $3.3-billion trade achieved in the first half of this year to $6 billion. The discussions in Budapest will also explore ways to reach the $10-billion milestone.

Başkan Erdoğan'dan Dostluk Anlaşması'nın 100. yılında Macaristan'a tarihi ziyaret! İki ülke arasında ticarette dev hedefhttps://t.co/RbbCo8nsBQ pic.twitter.com/eynP1KUkSS

— A Haber (@ahaber) December 16, 2023

Turkey's imports, spanning cotton, iron and steel, motor vehicles, and industrial machinery and equipment, contribute to its diverse trade relationship with Hungary. Hungary, in turn, serves as a crucial trading partner for Ankara, supplying boilers, various industrial machinery and equipment, chemical products, and motor vehicles. Statistics reveal that Turkish imports from Hungary are experiencing an average annual growth rate of 8.8 percent.

Cumhurbaşkanı Erdoğan Macaristan yolcusu…#haber pic.twitter.com/bBCjyHbVxz

— ÜLKE TV (@ulketv) December 16, 2023

Turkish newspapers highlight that since 2002, Turkish companies have invested around $112 million in Hungary. However, Hungarian investment in Turkey is also increasing, with approximately $29 million in direct investment over the last two decades. Currently, some 500 Turkish companies are operating in Hungary.

Preliminary reports indicate that energy talks will also take place in Budapest, as natural gas is expected to start arriving from Turkey next year.

Additionally, the parties may delve into the development of Turkish infrastructure for gas transport and storage, a critical element for Hungary's domestic gas imports. The liquefied natural gas destined for Hungary is set to arrive through Turkey via the Turkish Stream pipeline.

Besides bilateral ties, cooperation between Turkey and Hungary is also prominent in international politics: Turkey is a member of the Organization of Turkic States, where it has observer status.

Cover photo: Prime Minister Viktor Orban (left) and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shake hands at their bilateral meeting in Astana on November 2, 2023 (Photo: MTI/Prime Minister's Press Office/Zoltan Fischer)