Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán held high-level talks on May 22, 2025, in Astana, focusing on expanding strategic cooperation in energy, trade, education, and technology. The leaders reaffirmed a shared vision for strengthening Kazakhstan–Hungary relations within both bilateral and multilateral frameworks.
According to an official statement from the Kazakh presidential press service, the discussions emphasized building a long-term economic partnership and boosting investment, particularly in renewable energy, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals.
“Hungary is a key partner of Kazakhstan in the European Union,” President Tokayev stated. “We welcome deepening cooperation on all strategic fronts.”
🤝 Economic and Energy Cooperation at the Forefront
Both sides expressed interest in expanding energy cooperation, especially in the development of green hydrogen, rare earth processing, and nuclear technology. Kazakhstan invited Hungarian companies to participate in energy infrastructure projects, offering access to Central Asian transit corridors and renewable energy zones.
Hungary, in turn, reiterated its support for Kazakhstan’s regional energy hub ambitions, noting the importance of energy diversification amid ongoing European supply disruptions.
📈 Trade and Investment Boosts
Trade volume between the two countries has seen steady growth, and both governments committed to doubling bilateral trade in the next three years. Hungary expressed readiness to increase investment in Kazakhstan’s industrial zones and digital economy initiatives, while Kazakhstan pledged to ease procedures for Hungarian business operations and banking institutions.
Tokayev and Orbán also discussed cooperation in customs integration, logistics, and agriculture innovation, identifying these sectors as drivers of post-pandemic economic growth.
🎓 Education and Cultural Exchange
The two leaders also praised growing academic ties and youth exchange programs. Hungary currently offers over 250 scholarships annually to Kazakh students, a number both sides agreed to expand. Plans were also announced to establish joint research centers and dual-degree programs between universities.
The talks included a commitment to preserve cultural heritage and language exchange, with new initiatives planned through the Kazakhstan-Hungary Strategic Council.
🌍 Regional and Geopolitical Context
The Tokayev-Orbán meeting comes amid increased interest in Central Asia from European states, especially as Hungary positions itself as a bridge between the EU and Eurasia. Both countries reiterated support for sovereignty, stability, and regional connectivity, particularly through the Middle Corridor initiative that links China, Central Asia, and Europe.
“Strategic dialogue between Kazakhstan and Hungary contributes to broader Eurasian stability,” said a senior official in the Kazakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
What to Watch
- Expansion of Kazakhstan–EU economic agreements via Hungary’s advocacy
- New joint ventures in energy and logistics
- Increased presence of Hungarian companies in Central Asia
- Enhanced youth mobility and educational diplomacy
- Future regional summits led by Kazakhstan and Hungary
The Tokayev-Orbán talks reflect a growing strategic convergence between a rising Central Asian power and an EU member seeking deeper influence in Eurasia. As both nations strengthen ties, their partnership could shape new economic and geopolitical pathways across the region.
Source; Kazinform
