Photo: AFP/Kazakhstan's Presidential Press Service
Suat Beylur
29/01/2025 21:15
As is well known, the Hungarians have deep historical and cultural ties with the Turkic world. Throughout history, Hungarians have interacted with various Turkic communities, such as the Kipchaks. This interaction led to mutual cultural exchange and established strong bonds between the two nations, lasting to the present day, positioning Hungary in a unique place among European countries. Consequently, studies in Turkology began in Hungary much earlier than in other European countries, raising many internationally recognized Turkologists, including Ármin Vámbéry. Hungary’s interest in the Turkic world has continued in the post-2000 period with various initiatives, such as the Turan Kurultays.
Hungary’s Opening to the East: Origins and Main Motivations
Hungary’s Opening to the East policy, driven by historical motivations and led by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, represents a significant strategic shift in the country’s foreign relations, aiming to build strong ties with non-Western countries, particularly in Asia and Central Asia. Initially motivated by Hungary's desire to diversify its global alliances and reduce dependency on Western European economies, this policy has evolved into a multi-faceted approach encompassing economic, cultural, and diplomatic dimensions.
The Opening to the East policy was officially introduced in 2010, aiming to establish a framework for cooperation with Central Asia, China, and Russia in particular. One of the main motivations behind this shift is Hungary’s pursuit of economic diversification, prompted by its recognition of vulnerabilities to fluctuations in the European market after the 2008 financial crisis. By forming partnerships with rising economies in Asia, the Hungarian government seeks new opportunities for trade, investment, and economic stability.
The Place of Hungary in the Kazakhstan’s Multi-Vector Foreign Policy
Kazakhstan’s foreign policy is defined by a “multi-vector” approach, emphasizing balanced and pragmatic relations with major global powers and regional organizations. This strategy has provided Kazakhstan with diplomatic flexibility since gaining independence in 1991, supporting regional stability and enabling economic development. Over the past 30 years, this approach has been a dominant feature of Kazakhstan’s bilateral, regional, and global policies. Today, Kazakhstan maintains relations with its neighboring countries Russia and China—both through bilateral engagements and organizations like the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)—while also strengthening ties with the West, particularly with EU countries.
The Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA), signed with the EU in 2015, has expanded cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and political dialogue. Currently, the EU is Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner. Situated at the heart of Eurasia, Kazakhstan also deepens its relations with regional countries that share a common destiny. The Organization of Turkic States (OTS), of which Kazakhstan is a founding member, and the Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State, launched in 2018, are two significant platforms in this regard.
On the other hand, Kazakhstan actively participates in global organizations and platforms, such as the United Nations (UN), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia (CICA), the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the Middle Corridor (MC), in line with its policies on regional peace, development, prosperity, stability, and security. For example, CICA, headquartered in Astana, plays an important role in addressing security issues, fostering multilateral cooperation, and strengthening diplomatic ties among member countries. Similarly, Kazakhstan, due to its strategic location and infrastructure, holds a key position for connectivity within the BRI and MC.
Kazakhstan-Hungary Relations: A Natural Partnership Bridging Europe to Central Asia
Kazakhstan’s strategic location in Eurasia and its role in regional politics, as briefly mentioned above, make it a unique partner for the EU and, more specifically, for Hungary. Diplomatic relations between the Republic of Kazakhstan and Hungary were officially established in 1992. The early 2000s were primarily a period dominated by social and cultural relations between the two countries. Notably, Hungary's Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship program, launched in 2003, accelerated exchanges and interactions in educational and cultural fields. In addition to historical and cultural ties, Kazakhstan’s geostrategic location has made it a focal country in Hungary’s Eastern Opening policy. Consequently, relations between the two countries quickly advanced, leading to the signing of a Strategic Partnership Agreement in 2014. This agreement aimed to expand ongoing cooperation across various sectors, primarily in trade, energy, and direct investments, and in 2015, the Hungary-Kazakhstan Strategic Council was established.
By 2020, Hungary’s Eximbank began providing attractive incentives for entrepreneurs investing in Kazakhstan, further enhancing efficiency through joint business forums. As of 2023, Hungary’s investments in Kazakhstan have exceeded $300 million. The trade volume between the two countries has also shown a steady increase, rising from around $138 million in 2021 to over $187 million in 2023, with expectations to surpass $250 million by the end of 2024.
The Impact of Kazakhstan-Hungary Relations on Regional and Global Politics
The strengthening of Kazakhstan-Hungary relations has significant implications for regional and global politics, especially in the realms of economic development and stability. Enhanced economic ties and direct investments between the two nations contribute to economic growth and prosperity, particularly in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and technology. Hungary’s investments in Kazakhstan support job creation and technological advancement, aligning with both countries' development goals.
The relationship also underscores the importance of East-West connectivity, with Kazakhstan serving as a bridge between Europe and Asia and Hungary positioning itself as a gateway to Central Europe for Central Asian partners. This connectivity fosters trade, cultural exchange, and diplomatic engagement, enhancing regional integration. Furthermore, the cooperative relationship between Kazakhstan and Hungary supports regional stability and peace, as both countries are committed to multilateralism and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Their partnership thus contributes to broader goals of security and economic cooperation in the Eurasian region.
Hungary’s Opening to the East and Kazakhstan’s multi-vector foreign policy have fostered a strategic partnership rooted in shared cultural ties and mutual economic objectives. This alliance enhances trade and cultural exchanges, positioning Kazakhstan as a vital link in Eurasian connectivity and Hungary as a gateway to Europe. Both nations' commitment to regional stability underscores their role in Eurasian integration. Under President Tokayev's leadership and Prime Minister Orbán's vision, supported by proactive diplomatic missions in both countries, this partnership continues to deepen, advancing their shared goals of peace, development, and cross-regional cooperation. To conclude, it is worth noting that the dedicated and proactive efforts of the ambassadors of both countries have favorably supported this ongoing process.
The author is Director of the Eurasian Research Institute