Photo: Róbert Hegedüs
07/12/2024 15:48
Uzbekistan and Hungary are linked by historical roots. Mutual interest has existed since ancient times and has been an invisible thread through many centuries.
Famous Hungarian orientalists Ármin Vámbéry and Aurél Stein visited Central Asia in the 19th and 20th centuries and described in detail in their works the traditions and customs of the peoples of the region. The bright memory of these people is inextricably linked not only with the common history, but also their contribution to the modern development of friendly relations between the Uzbek and Hungarian peoples.
In recent years, Uzbek-Hungarian ties have received a new impetus and are dynamically developing. Friendly and trusting relations between the two countries have significantly strengthened and reached a historically high level thanks to the personal efforts and contribution of the President of Uzbekistan H.E. Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán.
Hungary has become Uzbekistan's first strategic partner in Europe. This partnership underscores the mutual commitment to strengthening historical ties, as well as developing trustful and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Today, Uzbek-Hungarian relations are characterized by intensive visits and meetings at the highest levels. The leaders of our countries maintain regular dialogue both at the bilateral level and within the framework of international and regional organizations.
We strive to strengthen bilateral relations at all levels. The parliaments of both countries are actively involved in expanding Uzbek-Hungarian ties. Regular meetings between representatives of various ministries and agencies contribute to further deepening of bilateral ties, focusing on areas of mutual interest.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó has visited Uzbekistan several times in recent years. In March 2023 in Budapest, the foreign ministers of our two countries took part in the official opening ceremony of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Hungary, which was a significant event in bilateral relations. At the beginning of March this year, Uzbekistan's first ambassador to Hungary was appointed.
Today, the foreign ministries are locomotives in the implementation of all agreements reached between the leaders of the two states, as well as play a key role in expanding the horizon and potential of Uzbekistan.
During the meeting of the foreign ministers in Tashkent in May 2024, a comprehensive Program of Cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two countries for 2024-2026 was signed, which covers almost all areas of partnership and is being successfully implemented.
Strengthening trade, economic and investment ties has been prioritized. Trade between Hungary and Uzbekistan has significantly increased. An important mechanism is the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation, the 9th meeting of which we held in early May this year in Tashkent with the participation of Minister Szijjártó. Within its framework, a joint business forum was held, which was attended by the heads of 32 Hungarian companies.
Leading Hungarian companies are actively working in the Uzbek market. The entry of OTP Bank into the financial sector of Uzbekistan has created a favorable environment for Hungarian investors, strengthening economic ties. Today, with the participation of Hungarian companies in Uzbekistan, a solid package of investment agreements is being realized and prepared for implementation.
We want to expand the number of such companies in Uzbekistan. For this purpose, the most favorable conditions for doing business have been created in our country. Regular exchange of business circles, joint investment forums, implementation of promising business projects underscore the close economic and investment ties.
The expanding ties between the regions of our countries are especially noteworthy. In April this year, cooperation was established between Samarkand region of Uzbekistan and Hungary's Csongrád-Csanád county. Work is underway to establish similar interaction between Jizzakh region and Győr-Moson-Sopron county and Fergana region and Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county. It is planned to hold the first Forum of Regions of the two countries this year in Uzbekistan.
Cooperation in the cultural and humanitarian sphere between the two countries is also expanding. Numerous agreements between universities promote joint scientific activities, exchange of students and implementation of double degree programs.
Joint cultural events with the participation of representatives of both countries further enrich bilateral relations, contributing to the strengthening of mutual understanding. The resumption of direct air service between the capitals of our two countries since June 30 this year will undoubtedly serve to expand the mutual tourist flow, opening new opportunities for cultural and economic exchange.
Modern relations between Uzbekistan and Hungary, characterized by a strong partnership based on historical ties, mutual respect and common goals, open promising prospects for closer interaction for the benefit of our countries and peoples.
I would like to take this opportunity to note that we sincerely believe in the successful realization of the Hungarian presidency of the European Union in the second half of 2024 and hope that it will also contribute to the expansion of Uzbekistan's and Central Asia's interaction with the EU.