Budapest, May 21, 2025 – The Europe Today: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán delivered press statements in Budapest today following high-level bilateral talks, underscoring the deepening strategic partnership between the two nations and emphasizing shared positions on regional and global challenges.
Prime Minister Orbán: “Azerbaijan is a reliable partner in challenging times”
In his opening remarks, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán extended a warm welcome to President Ilham Aliyev, describing him as a long-time friend of Hungary who has consistently supported the country in various sectors including diplomacy and energy.
Highlighting Hungary’s role as host of the first-ever summit of the Organization of Turkic States held on its soil, despite being an observer nation, Orbán praised the solidarity among friendly countries amid an increasingly turbulent global environment.
Addressing the ongoing war in neighboring Ukraine, Orbán criticized the European Union’s approach, stating that its policies have contributed to the prolongation of conflict and economic destabilization. He described the European economy as “sailing without a compass,” burdened by high energy prices and disrupted markets. He noted that Hungary, as a landlocked country, faces additional challenges, and its ability to maintain energy ties with Russia has been critical.
“In these circumstances, the role of Turkic states in our energy security has become invaluable,” Orbán said, thanking President Aliyev for ensuring Hungary’s continued gas supply and welcoming Hungary’s growing stake in Azerbaijan’s oil and gas infrastructure.
Orbán also noted discussions around Hungarian investments in Azerbaijan and expressed strong support for the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, congratulating President Aliyev on the significant progress toward a peace treaty.
President Aliyev: “Azerbaijan and Hungary share common values and strategic goals”
President Ilham Aliyev reciprocated the warm sentiments, thanking Prime Minister Orbán for his invitation and hospitality. He described Azerbaijan-Hungary relations as exemplary and based on historical ties, mutual respect, and strategic alignment.
Aliyev drew parallels between the two countries, noting shared challenges such as landlocked geographies and proximity to regions of armed conflict. Recalling Azerbaijan’s own experience in the 2020 Second Karabakh War, he reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s adherence to international law and its right to self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
The Azerbaijani leader reiterated that Baku was the initiator of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace negotiations and that a text of the peace agreement, initially drafted by Azerbaijan, has now been largely accepted by Armenia. However, he underscored the need for constitutional amendments in Armenia and the formal abolition of the defunct OSCE Minsk Group as prerequisites for finalizing the treaty.
Energy Cooperation and Economic Partnership
President Aliyev detailed the progress of energy cooperation, citing Hungary’s participation in major Azerbaijani energy projects including the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli and Shah Deniz oil and gas fields. He announced upcoming contracts involving Hungarian companies operating in Azerbaijan’s onshore fields and reiterated Azerbaijan’s capacity to meet Hungary’s full gas needs.
Aliyev also emphasized Azerbaijan’s expanding role as a Pan-European energy partner, with gas exports to 12 countries—10 in Europe, including 8 EU members. He highlighted Azerbaijan’s ambitious green energy agenda, with plans to produce 6,000 megawatts of renewable energy over five years, potentially freeing up 3–4 billion cubic meters of gas for export to Europe and Türkiye.
Strategic Partnership and Shared Vision
The Azerbaijani president praised Hungary’s commitment to an independent foreign policy within the European Union, calling Prime Minister Orbán’s leadership “heroic” and principled.
“We have great affection for Hungary. Pursuing national interests within the EU framework takes courage and vision—Hungary has both,” Aliyev stated.
President Aliyev also welcomed Hungary’s initiative in hosting the second informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States, following Azerbaijan’s organization of the inaugural summit in Shusha last year. He hailed this as a testament to Hungary’s strong cultural and historical ties with the Turkic world.
Key Highlights:
- Hungary hosted the first-ever Organization of Turkic States summit on its territory.
- PM Orbán praised Azerbaijan’s unwavering energy support amid Europe’s crisis.
- President Aliyev emphasized shared challenges and strategic similarities.
- Azerbaijan pledged continued and increased natural gas exports to Hungary.
- Both leaders expressed hope for the finalization of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty.
- Azerbaijan and Hungary agreed to deepen cooperation in renewable energy, oil and gas, and investments.
The meeting reaffirmed the enduring friendship between Azerbaijan and Hungary, built on mutual trust, shared values, and a common vision for regional stability and prosperity.
