Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán underscored the critical importance of Turkic nations—particularly Azerbaijan—for Hungary’s energy security, stating that without their support, Hungarian households would be paying two to three times more for energy. Speaking alongside Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev during a visit in Budapest, Orbán praised the reliable partnership that has allowed Hungary to diversify its energy sources amid the EU’s ongoing energy and geopolitical challenges.
Orbán highlighted that last year saw the first gas shipments from Azerbaijan arrive in Hungary, with Aliyev promising continued supply in 2025. He credited this cooperation with making Hungary’s energy price cuts possible, a centrepiece of his domestic policy.
The Hungarian leader lamented the European Union’s handling of the Ukraine conflict, arguing that the bloc chose to escalate the war rather than contain it. He claimed this has caused Hungary over 20 billion euros in losses and damaged the foundations of European economic growth. ‘We are navigating the European economy without a compass,’ he warned, citing skyrocketing energy costs that have undermined competitiveness.
Orbán also pointed to Ukraine’s shutdown of its gas pipeline as a major disruption, prompting Hungary to pivot south and secure energy partnerships with Turkic countries. In this context, he lauded Azerbaijan’s decision to allow Hungarian energy companies MVM and MOL to invest in Azerbaijani oil and gas fields. These deals secure hundreds of millions of cubic metres of gas and substantial oil volumes for Hungary annually.
In addition to fossil fuels, the two nations agreed to broaden their cooperation into renewable energy. Aliyev announced ambitious plans for Azerbaijan to generate 6,000 megawatts from renewables in the next five years, enabling it to save and re-export up to four billion cubic metres of natural gas.
‘Aliyev further praised Hungary for maintaining an independent foreign policy, even within the EU framework—a stance he called “heroic” and politically courageous’
Orbán and Aliyev also discussed broader geopolitical concerns. Both leaders emphasized diplomacy over warfare, with Orbán praising Aliyev for securing a peace deal with Armenia. The Azerbaijani president said the Karabakh conflict was resolved in accordance with international law and the UN Charter, asserting that Azerbaijan had acted within its right to self-defence.
Aliyev further praised Hungary for maintaining an independent foreign policy, even within the EU framework—a stance he called ‘heroic’ and politically courageous. He noted the strategic alignment between Hungary and Azerbaijan, both neighbours to conflict zones, sharing similar national security challenges.
The summit marked the first time the Organization of Turkic States has held a leadership meeting in Hungary, underscoring the deepening ties between Budapest and Turkic capitals.
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