Hungary is forging new paths on the international stage, with its latest diplomatic maneuvers demonstrating strong ties with regional powers and its commitment to both peace and economic growth. On Thursday, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó met with Slovak counterpart Juraj Blanár to discuss bilateral cooperation, particularly focusing on issues affecting the Hungarian minority living in Slovakia. Szijjártó stressed the need for protecting minority language rights, which have become central to Hungary's foreign policy stance. This discussion came up against the backdrop of Slovakia's state language law proposal, which aims to promote the Slovak language, raising concerns among the Hungarian community there. Despite the apprehensions, officials from Slovakia have assured Hungary they will uphold the rights of minorities and will not limit the use of minority languages.
The economic ties between Hungary and Slovakia remain significant, with trade reported to be approaching EUR 15 billion annually. Both nations are working on enhancing their energy security and improving cross-border infrastructure, which includes the construction of new roads, bridges, and railway links. A pivotal gas inter-connector project is also on the table, aimed at securing energy supplies and fostering regional connectivity, which benefits both countries. Szijjártó emphasized the significance of these initiatives, noting their role in ensuring stability and security amid rising geopolitical tensions.
He also underscored the importance of maintaining cooperation, especially during turbulent political climates, as both nations share common values and strive for peace within the larger European Union framework. Szijjártó declared, "Our partnership is based on mutual respect and shared goals, and we will not allow external forces to weaken our alliance." This cooperative spirit is aimed at nurturing growth and stability, promoting peaceful resolutions over conflicts.
Meanwhile, Hungary's role within the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) is also stepping up. At the recent 11th summit of the OTS held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Hungary was awarded the Supreme Order of the Turkic World, recognizing its contributions to strengthening ties among Turkic nations. The summit celebrated the 15th anniversary of the OTS, paving the way for Hungary to host the next informal summit planned for 2025. This recognition exemplifies Hungary's position as the 'most Eastern of the Western' and 'most Western of the Eastern' members, seamlessly bridging gaps between European and Turkic nations.
Since gaining observer status in the OTS, Hungary has intensified its foreign policy initiatives directed toward bolstering connectivity and cooperation, particularly with countries like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan. Strategic partnerships are reinforcing Hungary's ties with these Central Asian states, driven by historical connections and modern-day collaboration. Hungary's involvement facilitates increased communication and cooperation across various sectors, including trade, energy, and education, bolstering mutually beneficial relationships with associate countries.
The establishment of the Turkic States Representation Office in Budapest serves as another reiteration of Hungary’s commitment to fostering these international ties. This office promotes the organization's relevance throughout Europe and strengthens relationships with European institutions. Hungary's engagement culminated recently with the signing of agreements focused on green energy partnerships with Azerbaijan, Romania, and Georgia, illustrating Hungary’s proactive approach toward climate action and energy cooperation.
Hungary's foreign minister also reiterated the importance of the country balancing its relationships with major powers like the United States and China. Recently, Minister of National Economy Márton Nagy addressed the China Hi-Tech Fair (CHTF) held in Shenzhen, showcasing Hungary's advances, especially concerning artificial intelligence regulations. Nagy highlighted the European Union's comprehensive AI regulations, which are set to take effect by 2026 and emphasized Hungary's future plans to establish an AI Office by August 2025. This office aims to streamline AI governance, encompassing both developers and practical applications, thereby enhancing Hungary's competitiveness on the global stage.
At the CHTF, Nagy's remarks underscored Hungary's commitment not only to innovation but to fostering inclusivity within its tech ecosystem, emphasizing support for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Hungarian government is poised to invest significantly in high-performance computing infrastructure to solidify its high-tech position. The recent developments see Hungary investing heavily, with projects like the Komondor supercomputer already operational and plans for the even more powerful Levente supercomputer underway.
By engaging with China and learning from its technological advancements, Hungary aims to reinforce its position within the global technology sphere, citing the necessity of leveraging knowledge-sharing opportunities with Chinese counterparts. The minister pointed out the collaborative framework established between Hungary and China, facilitating the exchange of technological innovations across both governmental and corporate levels.
At the crossroads of Eastern and Western diplomacy, Hungary is carving out its role through strategic partnerships, targeted economic initiatives, and firm commitments to peace and mutual growth. The developments indicate not just regional ambitions but also Hungary’s dedication to ensuring its voice is heard on the global platform—striking balances, protecting its minority rights, and pursuing advancements in technology.
Looking forward, Hungary’s increasing engagement with both the Slovak Republic and the Turkic states showcases its multifaceted approach to diplomacy as it seeks to navigate the complex waters of international relations. With tangible results from recent conferences, alliances, and collaborations, Hungary is steadily positioning itself to be a key player both regionally and internationally, buoyed by its strong governmental focus on connectivity and cooperation.
