The Kazakh Head of State held talks with Hungarian PM Viktor Orban in an expanded format, El.kz reports citing Akorda.
As Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted, the historical roots of the two nations and close ties laid the foundation for deepening cooperation between the states.
"Kazakhs and Hungarians are kindred peoples who have long been linked by friendly relations. The language, customs, and culture of the two countries are similar. Descendants of the Kypshak tribes, who migrated to Europe from the Torgai steppes in the Middle Ages, today live on the territory of Hungary. We are proud of it. Thanks to our joint efforts, Kazakh-Hungarian integration is developing dynamically in all spheres. Mr. Prime Minister, you are making an invaluable contribution to this cause. We are interested in further deepening our fraternal relations and mutually beneficial cooperation. I am convinced that today's talks will give a new impetus to the further development of bilateral strategic partnership, the Head of Kazakhstan said.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev believes that there is a good institutional framework between Kazakhstan and Hungary for further strengthening relations.
In his opinion, the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation and the Business Council should play an active role in promoting the development of trade relations.
"Despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions, our trade grew by more than 20% last year. I am confident that we have every opportunity to increase bilateral trade to $1 billion in the near future," he stressed.
During the talks, the sides expressed mutual interest in developing contacts in such areas as energy, transport, logistics, metallurgy, manufacturing, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food industry and tourism.
In addition, the leaders of the two countries stated the importance of strengthening inter-parliamentary ties through the friendship groups operating in the parliaments of the two countries. Prospects for cooperation within the framework of various international platforms, including the UN, OSCE and UTC, were considered.
During the meeting, the Head of State also dwelled on the issues of strengthening humanitarian ties. Today in Astana, one of the streets will be named after the national poet of Hungary Sándor Petofi, which serves as another clear evidence of the close friendly ties between Kazakhstan and Hungary.
Viktor Orban expressed gratitude to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the fraternal people of Kazakhstan for the warm welcome.
Dear Mr. President, It is with great pleasure that I return here. The last time we were here was before the pandemic. Even then, we had fruitful bilateral relations, but the pandemic made its own adjustments to our ties. We have just come here to give a new impetus to our relations.
In this region, we have the closest historical contacts with you, and we are very pleased with your success. Kazakhstan is an outstanding country that has achieved significant achievements. Each of my trips to Kazakhstan leaves deep impressions," said the Prime Minister of Hungary.
As a result of the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding in the field of education was signed.
At the end of the meeting, the Head of State awarded Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban with the Order of Dostyk, First Class.
During the ceremony, the Head of State noted Viktor Orban's significant contribution to the development and strengthening of bilateral relations.