In recent years, Uzbekistan has intensified its foreign policy efforts, focusing on diversifying international relations and strengthening its position on the global stage. One of the priorities of the Uzbekistan’s foreign policy was the development of mutually beneficial cooperation with the European Union and the strengthening of bilateral relations with European states.
In this context, Hungary has taken a special place in Uzbekistan’s strategy, becoming one of the most active and significant partners in Europe. Hungary is one of the few European countries that actively promote EU interaction with Central Asia on the European agenda. Budapest regularly advocates for expanding the economic and political dialogue between the EU, Uzbekistan and Central Asia as a whole.
As part of the Hungarian Presidency of the EU Council in the second half of 2024, Budapest actively promoted stronger cooperation with the Central Asia and South Caucasus with the aim of ensuring energy security, developing trade routes and maintaining regional stability in the EU’s neighboring regions.
Hungary hosted expert meetings of the Eastern Europe and Central Asia Working Group and the FAO Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia on current issues of cooperation between the EU and the regions of Eastern Europe, Central Asia and South Caucasus, as well as on the development of future partnership strategies.
A number of factors contribute to the rapprochement between the two countries.
First, Hungary’s foreign policy strategy is largely in line with the approaches of the Central Asian countries. Since Viktor Orban’s return to power in 2010, Budapest has been building a pragmatic, multi-directional foreign policy, focusing on regions outside the traditional Euro—Atlantic focus, such as Asia, the Caucasus, the Middle East and Africa. Central Asia holds a priority position in this list.
Budapest’s Eastern Opening policy has become a logical basis for deepening cooperation with Tashkent. In 2021, Hungary became the first EU country with which Uzbekistan signed a strategic partnership agreement, marking it as a key European ally.
Second, an active diplomatic dialogue plays an essential role in bringing the two countries closer together. Over the past four years, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban have held five meetings, which underlines the high level of trust and strategic nature of the relationship. Hungary acts not only as a supporter of Uzbekistan’s integration into European structures, but also as an intermediary between Tashkent and Brussels.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto has visited Uzbekistan several times in recent years. In March 2023, in Budapest, the two countries’ foreign ministers attended the opening of Uzbekistan’s Embassy in Hungary, which became a significant event in bilateral relations. In early March of this year, the first ambassador of Uzbekistan to Hungary was appointed with residence in Budapest.
Today, the foreign ministries are the driving force behind the implementation of all agreements reached between the leaders of the two states, and also play a key role in expanding the horizons and potential of Uzbekistan.
During the meeting of the foreign ministers in Tashkent in May 2024, a comprehensive program of cooperation between the foreign ministries of the two countries for 2024-2026 was signed, which covers almost all areas of partnership and is being successfully implemented.
Third, Hungary’s geographical location in the center of Europe turns it into a strategic logistics hub, providing access to EU markets for Uzbekistan.
Hungary can become a logistics hub for Uzbek goods to Europe, especially within the framework of the Middle corridor (Trans-Caspian International Transport Route). The implementation of this corridor contributes to inter-regional connectivity for the countries of Central Asia, South Caucasus, as well as China and the EU by providing a secure and fast supply chain.
Fourth, cultural and civilizational interaction is an important aspect. Hungary and Uzbekistan emphasize historical and cultural ties, including shared Turkic and Altaic heritage. Hungary has been an observer in the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) since 2018 and actively participates in the development of Turkic cooperation. In 2019, an OTS representative office was opened in Budapest, and in 19th of May 2025, Hungary will host an informal summit of the organization. The recognition of Orban’s role in strengthening Turkic unity was underlined by the award of the Order of the Supreme Turkic World to him in 2023.
Educational and cultural exchanges also contribute to the foster closer ties between the two nations. Hungary offers scholarships for Uzbek students within the framework of the Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Program in 2024-2026.
Moreover, Uzbekistan seeks access to European technologies and standards, while Hungary pursues new markets and partnerships across Eurasia. Hungarian companies are involved in projects in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, water supply and energy in Uzbekistan. The regular exchange of business circles, joint investment forums, and the implementation of promising business projects emphasize close economic and investment ties. It is planned to create a special economic zone for projects of Hungarian and European companies in the Tashkent region.
According to Hungarian leadership, Budapest is also seeking to expand cooperation with Tashkent in nuclear energy, the chemical industry, finance, and telecommunications. This growing partnership not only enhances energy security but also unlocks new opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
Thus, cooperation between Uzbekistan and Hungary has evolved into more than just a pragmatic arrangement. Tangible achievements in diplomatic dialogue, trade and economic, educational and institutional spheres provide a solid foundation for long-term collaboration between Uzbekistan and Hungary.
Today, in the context of profound geopolitical changes, as well as against the backdrop of the formation of a favorable atmosphere of cooperation in Central Asia, including in the formats “Central Asia+”, the development of comprehensive relations with the states of Central and Eastern Europe is acquiring new relevance.
In this sense the dynamics of cooperation with Hungary observed in recent years strengthens confidence in the favorable prospects for the further development of mutually beneficial relations with Central European countries.
Photo source: Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan
References
- Scheffer, J. (n.d.). Hungary’s time to shine — First-ever EU–Central Asia Summit kicks off. Hungarian Conservative.
- ANKASAM. (n.d.). Center of the Middle Corridor in Europe: Hungary. Ankara Center for Crisis and Policy Studies.
- Daily News Hungary. (n.d.). Organization of Turkic States: Achievements, growth, and Hungary’s role – Interview with OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev.
- Hungary Today. (2024, March 18). An industrial zone for Hungarian companies to be created in Tashkent.
- Reuters. (2024, November 15). EU needs to rethink Russian sanctions to cut energy costs, Hungary’s Orban says.
