Toqayev in Budapest: Visit Wraps up, Documents Signed

Toqayev wrapped up his visit to Hungary. Before his departure, the President and Orban discussed joint projects in Budapest, Orda.kz reports.

Qasym-Jomart Toqayev noted that Hungary remains a reliable partner of Kazakhstan in the European Union and a friendly state. The purpose of the visit is to give a new impetus to bilateral relations, especially in strategically important areas.

The main focus was on implementing joint projects in energy, logistics, agriculture, the nuclear industry, transport, and the financial sector. Toqayev and Orban confirmed their governments' readiness to facilitate the successful implementation of all planned initiatives, creating favorable conditions for investment and business development.

Viktor Orban expressed confidence that the agreements reached would serve as a basis for further expansion of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Hungary. Toqayev mentioned Orban's contribution to strengthening the role of the Organization of Turkic States in the international arena.

Kazakhstan and Hungary are also strengthening their educational partnership.

Following talks with Prime Minister Viktor Orban, the leaders issued a joint statement to the media.

Toqayev noted the deep historical ties between the Kazakh and Hungarian peoples, united by common goals and aspirations.

Despite the geographical distance between the great Danube and the ancient Altai, we are connected by deep historical roots. Hungary is a reliable strategic partner of Kazakhstan in the European Union. The first embassy of our country in Central Europe was opened 30 years ago in Hungary. During this time, bilateral relations based on ties of friendship and mutual understanding have been developing on the rise,  the Head of State emphasized.

One key topic was increasing mutual trade turnover. Last year, trade volume grew by 9%, and Kazakhstan aims to bring this figure to one billion dollars.

The President announced signing an agreement with the Hungarian holding company UBM to construct three feed production plants worth $62 million.

We are ready to supply 95 types of goods to Hungary worth 700 million dollars, including energy, metallurgy, petrochemical, mechanical engineering and agricultural products,
Toqayev noted.

The development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor was another key discussion topic.

A memorandum of cooperation was signed between Kazakhstani, Hungarian, and Chinese companies, which will be an essential step towards strengthening regional ties.

85% of land transit traffic between Asia and Europe passes through Kazakhstan. The potential of this route is enormous, and it will only grow, the President said.

Viktor Orban recalled that Toqayev's last visit to Hungary happened 17 years ago. He pointed out the importance of our President's visit regarding expanding the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Following the talks, a joint statement was signed, reflecting the two countries' intention to further strengthen their strategic partnership and implement joint initiatives.

The following documents were signed:

• Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations and Foreign Affairs of Hungary on consular issues;
• Agreement on cooperation between JSC National Welfare Fund Samruk-Kazyna and the National Hungarian Company National Capital Holding on the implementation of joint investment projects;
• Tripartite framework agreement between the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kazakh Invest, and UBM Group on the implementation of projects for the production of compound feed and premixes in Kazakhstan;
• Memorandum of Cooperation between JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Joly (Kazakhstan), LAC Holding (Hungary), and Xi'an Free Trade Port Construction and Operation Co., Ltd (China);
• Memorandum on expanding cooperation between JSC NC KazMunayGas and the Hungarian MOL Group;
• Memorandum of Understanding in the Field of Banking between the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of the Financial Market and the National Bank of Hungary.

After the negotiations, Qasym-Jomart Toqayev participated in a reception organized by Hungary's Prime Minister. 

Seeing the President of Kazakhstan off at the Budapest airport, Viktor Orban expressed his respect and emphasized the importance of the agreements in strengthening ties between the two countries. 

Toqayev invited Orban to visit Astana. 

Original Author: Rustam Muratov