Photo: Kormany.hu
Javid Valiyev, AIR Center (Azerbaijan)
20/07/2025 12:21
Conversely, strong bilateral ties between Azerbaijan and Hungary have greatly contributed to deepening Hungary-OTS relations. Even before Hungary gained observer status in the OTS, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had made three official and working visits to Azerbaijan in 2010, 2012, and 2016. On November 11, 2014, Azerbaijan and Hungary signed a "Joint Declaration on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership," officially elevating their relationship to a strategic level.
The fact that the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) summits are being held this year—in Hungary and Azerbaijan—demonstrates both countries’ commitment to transforming the organization into a global actor. Notably, the first informal meeting took place in 2024 in Shusha, Azerbaijan, with the participation of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The second informal summit, held for the first time in an observer state on 20-21 May in 2025 in Hungary—is significant, especially considering that it took place within a European Union (EU) member state. The proposal for the informal OTS meeting was initially made by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.
There are some similarities that bring them together within the framework of the OTS. Both governments embrace their Turkic roots, seek to strengthen their roles in regional transportation corridors, pursue multi-vector foreign policies, and—most importantly—share a vision of establishing the OTS as a global actor. In recognition of their leadership, both President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Orbán were awarded the Supreme Order of the Turkic World. Following the 2024 presidential elections in Azerbaijan, President Aliyev reaffirmed this commitment by stating, “Our family is the Turkic world; we have no other family.”
Hungary plays a pivotal role in advancing relations between the OTS and the European Union. The final declaration adopted at the summit in Kyrgyzstan tasked Hungary with developing EU-OTS relations. It is no coincidence that the OTS has established a representation office in Budapest to support this mission.
Hungary’s EU membership also holds strategic importance for Azerbaijan-EU relations. Hungary has often acted as a counterbalance to policies adopted by certain EU member states that are seen as unfavorable to the Turkic world, especially Azerbaijan. For example, Hungary opposed the EU's unilateral aid of €10 million to Armenia, highlighting that the measure failed to consider Azerbaijan’s position.
The two nations have consistently supported each other on strategic and national security matters. In the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war, as European countries sought alternative energy sources, Azerbaijan and Hungary expanded their cooperation in the fields of natural gas and green energy. Hungary has also openly supported Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. Following the liberation of Azerbaijani territories, Hungary provided financial assistance for demining and reconstruction efforts. Reflecting these developments, on January 30, 2023, the two countries signed a "Joint Declaration on the Enhanced Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and Hungary."
In conclusion, global developments have heightened the strategic importance of the OTS and opened new possibilities for its growth. These emerging opportunities come with responsibilities—chief among them, the task of strengthening the OTS and elevating it to the status of a global actor. Azerbaijan and Hungary are uniquely positioned to lead this transformation.
