Hungarian Defence Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky emphasized Türkiye’s critical role as a key partner for the European Union in a recent interview with Anadolu Agency’s Sümeyye Dilara Dinçer.
He highlighted Türkiye‘s importance in areas such as energy security, trade, regional stability, counterterrorism, and combating illegal migration, stressing that Türkiye is an indispensable ally for the EU.
The minister pointed out that Hungary has elevated its relationship with Türkiye to a strategic level, with defense cooperation playing a crucial role in this strengthened partnership. He also noted that societal ties between the two nations have been reinforced and reiterated Hungary’s commitment to deepening its multifaceted cooperation with Türkiye. “The bilateral security policy, energy, defense industry, and cultural relations between Hungary and Türkiye are all key areas for further development,” he stated.
Hungarian Defence Minister Kristof Szalay-BobrovniczkyAs part of the growing collaboration, Hungary and Türkiye celebrated the Turkish-Hungarian Culture Year in 2024, marking a milestone in not only cultural exchange but also political and economic cooperation. Hungarian Minister described the year as a reflection of “Centuries of Friendship and Cooperation,” which opened opportunities for deeper dialogue and further strengthened bilateral ties. He also highlighted that 2025 will be dedicated to “Science and Innovation Year,” aiming to advance energy, security, defense industry, and economic collaboration.
Focusing on defense industry cooperation, Bobrovniczky mentioned that Hungary is modernizing its armed forces with NATO-compatible military equipment and bolstering its defense industry through collaboration with Türkiye. Notably, the “Ejder Yalçın 4X4 (Gidran)” tactical wheeled armored vehicle, co-developed with Türkiye, serves as a symbol of their strong defense cooperation.
The minister also referred to Türkiye’s participation in the International Adaptive Hussars-23 Exercise in Hungary, one of the largest military drills held in the country in the past 30 years. He emphasized that this exercise, involving forces from four NATO member states, underscored the growing military collaboration between Hungary and Türkiye.
Regarding the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War, Bobrovniczky acknowledged Hungary’s firm stance on prioritizing peaceful resolution while highlighting Türkiye’s valuable contribution to negotiations. He also voiced skepticism about Ukraine’s potential NATO membership, stating that Hungary would not support it until Ukraine fully restores the rights of Hungarian minorities.
Lastly, the Hungarian minister addressed energy security, underscoring Hungary’s reliance on Türkiye as a key partner for energy supply to Southeast and Central Europe. He emphasized that Hungary sees the safeguarding of infrastructure such as the TurkStream pipeline as a strategic priority for both national and European energy security.