On the Silk Road to the 21st Century – Between Tashkent and Budapest

Centuries ago, the Silk Road that connected China and Europe was one of the most important trade routes of its time, shaping the Eurasian world not just economically, but also politically and culturally, serving as a bridge between East and West. Since then, history has taken many turns. Today, in a world of constantly shifting political and economic landscapes, connectivity that stretches through regional cooperation and direct relations is becoming increasingly valuable. Over the past decade and a half, Hungary has recognized this opportunity and has moved beyond the boundaries of traditional Euro-Atlantic alliances. The upcoming meeting of the Organization of Turkic States on May 21, along with its related gatherings, could further broaden this bridge connecting the pillars. Thus, the modern Silk Road continues a centuries-old tradition.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (Source: Press Office of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan)

In light of today’s security challenges, it has become clear that instead of forming blocs, the world increasingly needs strong connections and interlinkages, East–West cooperation, connectivity, and a fair, unified, and obstacle-free global trading system.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (Photo: MTI)

This worldview first appeared in Hungary’s “Eastern Opening” strategy announced in 2010. Alongside East Asia's well-known political and economic powerhouses, this strategy also marked the beginning of Hungary’s engagement with other regions, including Central Asia — coinciding with a revival of the Silk Road ideology.

Recognizing the untapped potential of Central Asian states — which had been relatively unknown until then — Hungary, drawing on shared historical roots as the “most western of the eastern peoples,” has in recent decades served as a bridge akin to the Silk Road, linking Turkic nations with the Western world.

The Organization of Turkic States, composed of five full members and two observers, provides an effective framework for this purpose. It enables member states not only to negotiate with each other but also to join forces in engaging with larger global entities, thereby enhancing their collective influence.

Hungary and Uzbekistan — home to the historic and culturally rich Silk Road cities of Bukhara and Samarkand — enjoy particularly strong relations based on mutual respect and maintain a regular high-level dialogue. Over just the past four years, Prime Minister Viktor Orban and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev have met several times, which in itself reflects the high level of trust between the two leaders. This relationship was further deepened in March 2021 with the signing of a strategic partnership agreement—making Hungary the first EU member state with which Uzbekistan has established such a pact.

In the absence of any open or contentious political issues, this positive atmosphere has paved the way for Hungarian businesses interested in the Uzbek market. And the appetite for investment has already borne fruit.

Over the past five years, trade between the two countries has doubled. Major Hungarian companies, such as OTP Bank, have entered the Uzbek market, and numerous significant projects are underway in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, agriculture, and — most recently — the telecommunications and IT sectors. Cooperation is also expected to expand into the energy sector.

As a dynamically developing region, Central Asia is becoming increasingly significant to European security and the economy. And as national security and defense capabilities rise in priority, Hungary and Uzbekistan have also begun what is expected to be similarly fruitful cooperation in the defense sector.

In mid-April, Hungarian Defense Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky signed an agreement with his Uzbek counterpart on bilateral defense cooperation. The stability of the Central Asian region is also of key importance to Hungary’s national security. Since 2023, Hungary’s embassy in Uzbekistan has served as NATO’s liaison mission in the country, making it the alliance’s first direct point of contact there. Uzbekistan plays a key role in counterterrorism efforts within Central Asia and is therefore an important partner for NATO as well.

Environmental management is also a crucial area with great potential. Hungary’s experience in the sustainable management of the Danube River could prove valuable for water resource utilization in Central Asia, and Hungary’s climate strategy may serve as a model as Uzbekistan develops its own climate policy. 

At the heart of all these efforts lies education and learning. As Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto noted in November last year, every leading Hungarian university now has a partner institution in Uzbekistan.

Thus, the modern Silk Road continues its age-old tradition of connecting East and West—with Budapest and Tashkent serving as two of its key pillars. The May 21 summit of the Organization of Turkic States and its related meetings may further broaden this bridge that links the two ends.

I’m about to embark on a month-long trip to Uzbekistan, travelling across as much of the country as I can & enjoying the wonders of spring. It’s a fantastic time of year to be in Central Asia, so if you’re contemplating a trip, this is my suggested itinerary. 🧵 pic.twitter.com/RFIchKafSq

— Uzbekistan Tourism Ambassador (@UZAmbassador) March 16, 2025

Cover photo: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (Source: Press Office of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan)