Azerbaijan is Our Appreciated Strategic Partner

The Hungarian defence minister recalled that Hungary and Azerbaijan had taken their cooperation to the level of strategic partnership in 2023. Therefore, the relationship between the two countries is exceptionally diverse, covering medicine and food industry and agriculture. He underlined that one of the most important fields of the cooperation is energy, as Azerbaijan is among Europe’s most important energy security partners.

He added that Azerbaijan is a country with considerable military strength and defence capabilities, and is a appreciated partner of Hungary in the defence and military fields, as well as in the defence industry; and we will continue to develop this partnership.

Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky underlined that the Hungarian EU presidency beginning within a few days offers another opportunity for this. He recalled that the goal of the Hungarian EU presidency is to make Europe great again, as a part of which they will pay particular attention to the cooperation among the European Union and its Eastern partners, especially Azerbaijan.

He added that other goals of the Hungarian presidency are to strengthen the defence capabilities and the defence industry of the EU. On a related note, he recalled that Hungary has been carrying out a high-paced, large-scale armed forces development program since 2016.

Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said that they also talked about the Russo-Ukrainian War and Azerbaijan – similarly to Hungary – is also committed to immediate peace and the de-escalation of the war.

As for the South Caucasus region, he declared that Hungary seeks a strong bilateral cooperation with each country in the area. He said that the relation between Baku and Yerevan – in which Hungary is striving for a constructive balance – is crucial in the peace of the region.

The minister also said that with Defence Minister Zakir Hasanov, they had discussed the possibilities for military cooperation and the issues of defence industry. He asked for the defence minister’s support to raising a memorial in Baku to preserve the memory of Hungarian soldiers who had lost their lives in the territory of Azerbaijan during World War I and II.

Azerbaijani Defence Minister General Zakir Hasanov underlined that the cooperation between the two countries is honest and fruitful, and he again had a constructive discussion with Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky about military and economic relations.

He also mentioned that Azerbaijan recently liberated its territories invaded by the Armenians 30 years ago, and gave thanks to Hungary for its participation in demining the area.

The general highlighted the good cooperation between the two countries in the field of military training and education and also praised the military-engineering cooperation and exchange of lessons learned. He expressed his hope that they will be able to further deepen the relations.