The President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov, paid an official visit to Hungary between 12-14 February 2023. The main content of the visit was economic cooperation, the Russia-Ukraine War, the European Union (EU) and relations between Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia. The main message of the visit of the Kyrgyz leader, who met with Hungarian President Katalin Novak and Prime Minister Viktor Orban, was that the deep political relations between the parties allow for the establishment of stronger economic and commercial ties.[1]
Among the main issues discussed by the Kyrgyz leader during the visit were the higher level of relations between the states, the strengthening of ties and the establishment of direct air links. Emphasizing that they are ready to raise the strategic partnership between the states to higher levels, Caparov held talks at various levels. During Caparov’s meeting with Orban, economy, culture, strengthening of humanitarian cooperation, banking sector and hydroelectric issues were discussed. In addition, the Kyrgyz leader invited the Hungarian Prime Minister to Kyrgyzstan.[2]
Drawing attention to the historical ties between the two nations, Orban said that Kyrgyzstan is the motherland of Hungarians.[3] Orban also said that bureaucracy should be reduced in order to accelerate relations between Europe and Central Asia. In this context, he emphasized that Central Asia is one of the centers of strategic importance for the security and economy of both the world and Europe.[4]
During the visit, Caparov also held a meeting with Novak. Novak has made important statements about the relations and the visit. The Hungarian leader stressed that the economic relations between the two countries have great potential. In addition, Novak noted that although Hungary is in the Western World, it also attaches importance to close relations with the Eastern World, including Central Asia.[5] The two leaders also signed a joint declaration on the strengthening and development of the strategic partnership. The topics highlighted in the declaration are the active interaction of the two countries in the political, commercial, economic, cultural and humanitarian fields, the intention to strengthen and expand the strategic partnership, cooperation in the fields of trade, economy and investment.[6] In addition, seven agreements covering law, forensic medicine, national archives and education have been signed.[7]
During the negotiations, various issues including security were discussed between the parties. Tourism, agriculture, water management and education were also discussed among the parties who expressed their wish for the war in Ukraine to end peacefully as soon as possible. Novak declared that they support the rapprochement between Kyrgyzstan and the EU and called for the signing of a strengthened cooperation and association agreement as soon as possible and announced that the Budapest administration gave the necessary support to this process.[8] She emphasized that Europe needs Central Asia especially during this difficult period. In a statement on her social media account, Novak announced that they have renewed the strategic partnerships between the two states.[9]
Among the issues that came to the forefront of the talks is a joint development fund designed to promote economic cooperation.[10] This situation shows that it is aimed to stabilize the relations that have the potential to develop and strengthen on the Bishkek-Budapest line and to act in a more independent framework. In particular, the projects to be realized in partnership between the two states will bring dynamism to both Kyrgyzstan-Hungary and Central Asia-EU relations.
During the visit, meetings were held at various levels. For example, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peer Szijjarto and his Kyrgyz counterpart Jeenbek Kulubaev met and stated that they were working to improve relations.[11] On the other hand, Hungarian Minister of Economic Development Marton Nagy, members of the Hungarian-Kyrgyz Development Fund, Presidents of the Kyrgyz Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kyrgyzstan and participants from about a hundred large companies of Kyrgyzstan and Hungary participated in the Hungarian-Kyrgyz Business Forum. Within the scope of the Hungarian-Kyrgyz Development Fund, which has a registered capital of 50 million dollars, a special project of 26 million dollars is planned to be implemented.[12]
As a result, relations between Kyrgyzstan and Hungary are getting stronger. While the will of the parties strengthens the ties between the two states, the Bishkek-Budapest line has the potential to turn into an important bridge between Central Asia and the EU. Considering the impact created by the Organization of Turkic States, it can be argued that the relations will gain significant momentum in the mid-term. Orban’s reference to historical ties will be an important motivator as well as a win-win-based approach.
[1] “Hungary and Kyrgyzstan to Join Forces Against Terrorism”, Hungray Today, https://hungarytoday.hu/hungary-and-kyrgyzstan-to-join-forces-against-terrorism/, (Date of Accession: 16.02.2023).
[2] “Sadyr Japarov Invites Prime Minister of Hungary to Visit Kyrgyzstan”, 24 KG, https://24.kg/english/258470_Sadyr_Japarov_invites_Prime_Minister_of_Hungary_to_visit_Kyrgyzstan/, (Date of Accession: 16.02.2023).
[3] “President Japarov, PM Viktor Orban Hold Talks in Budapest”, AKI Press, https://akipress.com/news:694659:President_Japarov,_PM_Viktor_Orban_hold_talks_in_Budapest/, (Date of Accession: 16.02.2023).
[4] “Hungary and Kyrgyzstan…”, op.cit.
[5] Ibid.
[6] “Kyrgyzstan and Hungary Sign Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership”, 24 KG, https://24.kg/english/258354_Kyrgyzstan_and_Hungary_sign_joint_declaration_on_strategic_partnership/, (Date of Accession: 16.02.2023).
[7] “Sadyr Japarov’s Visit to Hungary: Cooperation Agreements Signed”, 24 KG, https://24.kg/english/258372_Sadyr_Japarovs_visit_to_Hungary_Cooperation_agreements_signed/, (Date of Accession: 16.02.2023).
[8] “Kyrgyz President Japarov Held Talks with Hungarian President Novák”, Daily News Hungary, https://dailynewshungary.com/kyrgyz-president-japarov-held-talks-with-hungarian-president-novak/, (Date of Accession: 16.02.2023).
[9] @KatalinNovakMP, “I Welcomed the President of the Kyrgyz Republic @SadyrJaparov in Budapest and Today Together We Renewed Our Strategic Partnership, Because in These Challenging Times Central Europe Needs Central Asia. 🇭🇺 is Counting on 🇰🇬.”, Twitter, https://twitter.com/KatalinNovakMP/status/1625113362811043840?cxt=HHwWgIC-4cj_x40tAAAA, (Date of Accession: 16.02.2023).
[10] “Hungary and Kyrgyzstan…”, op.cit.
[11] “PM Orbán Holds Talks with Kyrgyzstan President in Budapest”, About Hungary, https://abouthungary.hu/news-in-brief/pm-orban-holds-talks-with-kyrgyzstan-president-in-budapest, (Date of Accession: 16.02.2023).
[12] “Kyrgyz-Hungarian Business Forum Held in Budapest”, 24 KG, https://24.kg/english/258421_Kyrgyz-Hungarian_Business_Forum_held_in_Budapest/, (Date of Accession: 16.02.2023).
