Published: December 19 2023
Hungary and Türkiye have recently signed a groundbreaking agreement to strengthen their energy cooperation. This includes the import of natural gas from Türkiye starting next year and collaboration in storage, infrastructure development, and renewable energy. The agreement also extends beyond energy to include cooperation in transport infrastructure, archives, media services, and education.
Natural gas imports from Türkiye
Under the new agreement, Hungary will be able to purchase natural gas from Türkiye starting next year. This will help ensure a stable energy supply for Hungary, especially as the EU faces an energy crisis. Cooperation in the energy sector will also involve storage, infrastructure development, and the use of renewables and hydrogen.
Strengthening transport infrastructure cooperation
Hungary and Türkiye will also be strengthening their cooperation in transport infrastructure development. This includes forming an alliance between Hungarian and Turkish rail construction companies, V-Hid Epito and Gulermak. This cooperation will enable both countries to participate in major developments and investments that bridge Europe and Asia.
Broadening collaboration in various sectors
The recent agreement between Hungary and Türkiye extends beyond the energy and transport sectors. Cooperation agreements have been signed in areas such as national archives, media services, and education. Institutions involved include Hungary's Media Service Support and Asset Management Fund (MTVA), Eötvös Lóránd University, and the Turkish state media service provider TRT. These agreements aim to foster collaboration in preserving historical heritage, promoting cultural exchange, and strengthening diplomatic ties.
100th anniversary of diplomatic relations
Hungary and Türkiye are currently celebrating the 100th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations. This milestone is being commemorated through various events and activities, including a Hungarian-Turkish cultural year. The cooperation agreement signed between Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan further emphasizes the importance of forming a priority strategic partnership between the two countries.
Conclusion
The recent agreement between Hungary and Türkiye marks a significant step forward in their energy cooperation. Apart from natural gas imports, the agreement encompasses collaboration in storage, infrastructure development, and the use of renewables and hydrogen. Furthermore, mutual cooperation in transport infrastructure, archives, media services, and education demonstrates a broader commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties and cultural exchange. As the two countries celebrate the 100th anniversary of their diplomatic relations, the agreement paves the way for a priority strategic partnership that spans various sectors and promotes mutual growth and development.
Questions & Answers
What is the agreement between Hungary and Türkiye about? The agreement between Hungary and Türkiye is about energy cooperation, specifically regarding natural gas imports from Türkiye to Hungary.
When can natural gas imports from Türkiye to Hungary start? Natural gas imports from Türkiye to Hungary can start next year, as part of the new agreement.
Which Hungarian company is involved in the energy cooperation with Türkiye? The Hungarian energy company MVM is involved in the energy cooperation with Türkiye.
What are the areas of cooperation mentioned in the agreement? The cooperation mentioned in the agreement will involve storage, infrastructure development, and the use of renewables and hydrogen.
Why is Türkiye considered a key partner for Hungary's energy supply? Türkiye is considered a key partner for Hungary's energy supply because it provides reliable partners for energy purchases, and more than five billion cubic meters of natural gas has already arrived in Hungary this year through the TurkStream pipeline.
What other areas of cooperation are mentioned in the agreement? The cooperation agreements also span Hungary's national archives, the Turkish presidential office, Hungary's Media Service Support and Asset Management Fund (MTVA) and Turkish state media service provider TRT, as well as Eötvös Lóránd University and the Yunus Emre Institute.
What is the significance of the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Budapest and Ankara? The 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Budapest and Ankara is significant and is being celebrated, highlighting the historical heritage and common chapters between the two countries.
What is the purpose of the agreement on forming a priority strategic partnership between Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan? The purpose of the agreement on forming a priority strategic partnership between Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is to further strengthen the cooperation and partnership between Hungary and Türkiye in various areas, including energy and transport infrastructure development.
What other developments are mentioned in the article? The article mentions that Wizz Air will increase the number of flights to Türkiye, and the Hungarian-Turkish cultural year will start to mark the centenary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.