The Hungarian–Turkish Cultural Season, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Turkish–Hungarian diplomatic relations, has concluded. The year-long series of events, featuring more than 150 cultural, gastronomic, and scientific programmes, culminated in a grand gala held in the Turkish capital, Ankara. The event was attended by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and numerous high-ranking political, cultural, and economic figures from both nations.
In a press release issued on the occasion of the gala concert, the Hungarian Ministry of Culture and Innovation (KIM) highlighted that the year-long cultural season, under the motto ‘A Century of Friendship and Cooperation’, was inaugurated in Budapest on 18 December 2023, marking the 100th anniversary of Hungarian–Turkish diplomatic relations.
Throughout the year, Hungary organized 160 cultural, artistic, and scientific programmes across 17 cities in Türkiye. These events attracted nearly one and a half million attendees and garnered over a thousand media appearances in Türkiye, according to the statement.
‘The Turkish public welcomed the Hungarian programmes with great openness and interest. The season has fostered cooperation at political, economic, and professional levels that can continue into the future. As such, the cultural series has been an absolute success, surpassing initial objectives,’ the ministry noted.
The closing gala, like the opening ceremony, featured a joint performance by Hungarian and Turkish artists, symbolizing the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect.
According to KIM, the cooperation between Hungary and Türkiye will continue in 2025 with the launch of the Hungarian–Turkish Year of Science and Innovation.
New Strategic Goals
Before the closing gala Viktor Orbán held bilateral talks with Erdoğan, with Hungarian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó also in attendance. Following the meeting Szijjártó stated that the discussions primarily focused on prospects for peace in Ukraine and the Middle East. These topics were later addressed during a working lunch between the Hungarian and Turkish delegations, along with opportunities to enhance bilateral relations.
According to Szijjártó, an important strategic milestone was achieved this year when Hungary became the first non-neighbouring country to which Türkiye exported natural gas—a cooperation both sides intend to expand in the future. Additionally, an agreement was reached between the MOL Group and TPAO, under which Hungarian and Turkish oil companies will collaborate, moving forward.
‘This partnership will enable MOL to participate in the exploration and production of new oil fields in Türkiye, while also providing the Turkish oil company with opportunities to enter the Hungarian energy market,’ Szijjártó explained. ‘This marks a new strategic goal to be pursued in the coming years,’ he added.
The minister highlighted that Hungarian-Turkish cooperation has once again reached record levels this year, with bilateral trade turnover achieving an all-time high. ‘Cooperation is also expanding into new areas, including inter-bank collaboration and railway construction,’ he highlighted.
Following the bilateral meeting between Orbán and Erdoğan, Tamás Sulyok also held discussions with the Turkish president. During their meeting, they acknowledged that Hungary and Türkiye are connected by a shared history, a deep friendship, and a strategic alliance. They further noted that the two countries have now entered a privileged strategic partnership, as evidenced by the frequency of high-level meetings.
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