A key goal of the Hungarian EU Council presidency is to improve cooperation with the OTS, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said at the OTS Council of Foreign Ministers meeting held in Shusha on Saturday, Report informs.
FM Szijjarto emphasized that Turkic states play "a critical role in returning to global cooperation." He highlighted that during Hungary's EU presidency, “strengthening ties with these countries is a priority," Hungarian International Spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs said on X.
At the Organization of Turkic States' Foreign Ministers' meeting, FM Szijjarto stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue and cooperation amid global crises, particularly the Ukraine conflict. He noted that Hungary aims to prevent the world from becoming divided again and is committed to connectivity and mutual respect-based cooperation.
Szijjarto highlighted Hungary's recent $100 million contribution to the Turkic Investment Fund, boosting access for Hungarian companies to regional markets. He pointed out that trade with these countries grew by 27% last year, reaching $5 billion. He also mentioned the importance of cultural and educational exchanges, noting that 1,585 students from Turkic states are studying in Hungary on scholarships this year.