Türkiye a key partner in building European security and peace: Hungarian FM Szijjarto

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto described Türkiye as a key and reliable partner in ensuring long-term peace and security in Europe.

Speaking in a visit to Türkiye, Szijjarto emphasized the need to include both Türkiye and Russia in discussions about Europe’s future security architecture.

Türkiye essential to long-term European peace, Szijjarto says

In an interview with Anadolu Agency, Szijjarto stressed that sustainable peace in Europe cannot be achieved without engaging Türkiye and Russia.

“If you are talking about a peaceful and secure life in a sustainable and long-term way for the people of Europe, then you cannot leave either Russia or Türkiye out of these discussions,” he said.

He warned that excluding “a country with the second-largest army in NATO and another with one of the world’s largest nuclear arsenals” would prevent the creation of a sustainable security framework for the continent.

Strong Türkiye-Hungary ties in energy and trade

Szijjarto described Türkiye as a friend, ally, and strategic partner. He noted that the two countries have built a strategic relationship during critical times.

“It is impossible to talk about Hungary’s energy security without Türkiye,” he stated, adding that Hungary is grateful for Türkiye’s reliable role in energy supply chains.

In 2024, the two countries recorded their highest bilateral trade volume, moving closer to the target of $6 billion annually.

Hungary also received its first delivery of natural gas from Türkiye this year.

Shared stance on peace in Ukraine and Middle East

Szijjarto highlighted that both Hungary and Türkiye have consistently advocated for cease-fires and peace negotiations in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war.

“For the past three years, we have supported a cease-fire and called for peace talks,” he said, criticizing efforts that treated cease-fire advocacy as taboo.

On the Middle East, Szijjarto expressed concern about the humanitarian impact of continued conflict and the breakdown of cease-fire agreements.

He stressed the importance of efforts to de-escalate tensions, particularly in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.

“We Hungarians are always ready to do whatever is necessary to bring peace back to the region,” he said, warning that overlapping conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East could pose serious risks to global security.

Türkiye’s role in security architecture and mediation

Szijjarto reiterated Hungary’s view that Türkiye should have a role in forming Europe’s future security strategy. “When it comes to the fight for peace, Türkiye is a very important partner for us,” he said.

He noted that Türkiye and Hungary have consistently represented this position on international platforms such as NATO.

Szijjarto praised President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s mediation role, especially in the Black Sea Grain Initiative, calling it a clear success for Türkiye.

“When rebuilding Europe’s defense capacity, how can you leave out the country with NATO’s second-largest army?” Szijjarto asked. “Türkiye is a key player in maintaining peace and stability.”

Hungary reviewing relationship with International Criminal Court

Responding to questions about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s expected visit to Hungary despite an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant, Szijjarto said Hungary has frequently faced strong reactions to its foreign policy decisions.

He emphasized Hungary’s strong bilateral relationship with Israel and noted that Hungary hosts a large Jewish community.

Regarding the ICC, he said: “The ICC, like many other international institutions, faces challenges such as bias, lack of balance, and politicization. Therefore, we have not yet reviewed our relationship with the ICC, but our government will make a decision soon.”