‘Türkiye is a strategic ally and friend’: Hungarian FM Szijjarto
Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Peter Szijjarto makes a speech during an exclusive interview, in Ankara, Türkiye on March 21, 2025. (AA Photo)
Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto emphasized Türkiye’s role as a vital ally and strategic partner during his visit to Ankara on Friday, underscoring the strong ties between the two nations during critical moments.
In an interview with Turkish news agency Anadolu, Szijjarto highlighted the importance of Türkiye in Hungary’s energy security, stating, “We are very grateful for Türkiye’s reliable role as a transit partner in ensuring the safety of Hungary’s energy supplies.”
Szijjarto also noted that the trade volume between Türkiye and Hungary reached a record high in 2024, bringing them closer to their $6 billion annual trade target. He stressed that the two countries’ efforts to support peace, particularly in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, reflect a realistic and common-sense approach.
Call for cease-fire and peace talks
Szijjarto praised both Türkiye and Hungary for maintaining a consistent stance in favor of a cease-fire and peace talks between Russia and Ukraine over the past three years. “We have been arguing in favor of a cease-fire and peace talks,” he said, expressing hope that ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Russia could bring the war to an end.
Regarding European security, Szijjarto pointed out that both Russia and Türkiye should be included in discussions to create a sustainable security architecture for the continent. He emphasized that excluding these nations would hinder the creation of a peaceful and stable Europe.
Szijjarto also praised Türkiye’s mediation efforts in international conflicts, citing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s successful mediation in the Russia-Ukraine war before Donald Trump took office, and Türkiye’s role in the Black Sea grain deal. He reiterated that Türkiye is a crucial country in maintaining peace and ensuring stability.
On the issue of Israel’s violation of the cease-fire in Gaza, Szijjarto expressed regret over the failure to maintain the original agreement, emphasizing the suffering of innocent families and children. He voiced concern about the potential for escalating tensions in the region, noting that the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East could pose serious risks to global security.
Hungarian FM criticizes ICC
Responding to a question about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s possible visit to Hungary in April despite the ICC’s arrest warrant, Szijjarto criticized the ICC for being biased and political. He noted that Hungary had not reconsidered its relationship with the ICC, and the government would soon make a decision on its participation in ICC activities.
Szijjarto highlighted Hungary’s strong relations with Israel, home to a significant Jewish population, and emphasized the importance of these ties in foreign policy decisions.
