Türkiye key, indispensable partner for EU: Hungarian Defense Minister

Hungarian Defense Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky emphasized Türkiye’s vital role in European security and cooperation, calling it a “key and indispensable partner” for the European Union in energy security, trade, regional stability, counterterrorism\ and migration management.

Speaking during his visit to Türkiye, Szalay-Bobrovniczky highlighted Hungary’s strong and strategic ties with Türkiye. “Hungary, located at the heart of Europe, takes pride in its Asian cultural roots and its close and friendly relationship with Türkiye,” he stated.

Strengthening Türkiye-Hungary relations

Szalay-Bobrovniczky noted that Hungary has elevated its relations with Türkiye to a strategic level, with defense cooperation being a critical component of this partnership.

He also emphasized ongoing societal-level engagement between the two nations.

“Hungary is committed to a collaborative relationship based on mutual respect and is determined to deepen its multi-dimensional partnership with Türkiye. Strengthening cooperation in security policy, energy, defense, economy, and cultural relations is a shared goal,” he said.

Marking 2024 as the “Hungarian-Turkish Cultural Year,” the minister underscored the visibility of Hungarian culture in Türkiye, fostering broader economic and political cooperation between the two nations.

Hungary’s strategic vision and Türkiye’s role in Europe

Highlighting Hungary’s geopolitical position, Szalay-Bobrovniczky pointed out that the country serves as a bridge between East and West.

He stated that the deepening of scientific, economic, and security cooperation with Türkiye will continue under the “2025 Science and Innovation Year.”

“This special year will accelerate joint research, innovation exchanges, and academic mobility. Türkiye is a key and indispensable partner for the EU in energy security, trade, regional stability, counterterrorism, and migration control. Hungary has prioritized strengthening Türkiye-EU relations during its EU presidency,” he noted.

Defense industry collaboration between Türkiye and Hungary

Discussing defense collaboration, Szalay-Bobrovniczky highlighted Hungary’s National Defense and Force Development Program, which aims to modernize its military with NATO-compatible equipment while enhancing its domestic defense industry.

The minister pointed to the joint production of the Ejder Yalcin 4X4 (Gidran) armored vehicle as a symbol of Turkish-Hungarian defense cooperation, stating that the vehicle plays a crucial role in strengthening Hungarian defense capabilities.

He also emphasized the importance of defense innovation, citing collaboration between Hungary’s Defense Innovation Research Institute (VIKI) and Türkiye’s Scientific and Technological Research Council (TUBITAK) as a central element of their defense partnership.

Joint military exercises: Adaptive Hussars 23 and 25

Szalay-Bobrovniczky underscored Türkiye’s participation in Hungary’s largest military exercise in the past 30 years, the Adaptive Hussars 23 drill, which involved approximately 6,000 personnel from four NATO countries.

He further announced plans for another large-scale exercise, Adaptive Hussars 25, in the fall of 2025, where Turkish forces are expected to participate.

“Türkiye plays a vital role in NATO’s multinational battle group stationed in Hungary and contributes significantly to regional security and shared strategic interests,” he noted.

Hungary’s position on Russia-Ukraine war

Szalay-Bobrovniczky described the Russia-Ukraine war as not only a security crisis but also a source of concern due to its impact on the Hungarian minority in Ukraine’s Transcarpathian region.

Hungary has consistently advocated for a peaceful resolution and values Türkiye’s mediation efforts. “This war has no military solution, and the longer it continues, the greater the risk of escalation. Encouragingly, global efforts are now shifting toward diplomatic resolution rather than prolonging conflict,” he stated.

Hungary’s view on Ukraine’s potential NATO membership

The minister expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations. “Ukraine’s accession is not feasible at this time as it could drag the entire continent into war and pose serious threats to global security,” he warned.

Szalay-Bobrovniczky also linked NATO membership to human rights concerns, emphasizing that Hungary could not support Ukraine’s accession unless it fully restores the rights of the Hungarian minority in Ukraine.

Energy security and Türkiye’s strategic importance

Commenting on energy security, Szalay-Bobrovniczky reaffirmed Hungary’s commitment to securing energy supplies and safeguarding infrastructure, particularly in light of recent reports about Ukraine’s potential attacks on the TurkStream gas pipeline.

“The Hungarian government considers any action threatening our energy security as an attack on our national sovereignty. The EU recognizes Türkiye’s crucial role in ensuring energy flows from Southeastern Europe to Central Europe,” he said, adding that Türkiye’s role in the European energy landscape remains a cornerstone of Hungarian-Turkish cooperation.

Hungary’s role in EU-US relations and Viktor Orban’s diplomacy

When asked about Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s role in transatlantic relations, Szalay-Bobrovniczky reiterated Hungary’s commitment to defending its national interests while fostering a stronger Europe.

“Hungary consistently advocates for its values on international platforms, ensuring that national sovereignty is preserved while contributing to a stronger Europe,” he said.

He also highlighted Orban’s conservative political stance, which aligns with the emerging political direction in the United States under President Donald Trump. “Just as Trump champions ‘America First,’ Hungary prioritizes the prosperity and well-being of its citizens,” he added.