By Janet Ekstract, ISTANBUL – According to Türkiye’s Presidency Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his high-level delegation will meet Turkish President Erdogan and high-level Turkish officials on Monday, December 8. Duran said in a statement on his X account that Orban and his delegation will take part in the Türkiye-Hungary High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. The focus will be on all aspects of an enhanced strategic partnership between the two countries and an exchange of views on current regional and global issues, Duran said. Ahead of the Seventh Strategic Cooperation Council meeting, an inaugural session of the Türkiye-Hungary Joint Consultation Mechanism will also meet on December 8 in Istanbul. Turkish foreign ministry sources said those attending the meeting include: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, National Defense Minister Yasar Guler, and National Intelligence Organization (MIT) Director Ibrahim Kalin.
Diverse agreements are expected to be signed to strengthen and solidify bilateral relations between Hungary and Türkiye. Fidan will emphasize continuing efforts to further deepen and diversify cooperation in all fields between the two countries under an enhanced strategic partnership framework. The Turkish foreign minister will highlight that the Joint Consultation Mechanism is a critical step that reinforces the institutional basis of ties between Turkiye and Hungary, boosting cooperation. The purpose of the meeting is to accelerate joint efforts to advance economic relations and boost mutual investments as well as reiterate the Turkish commitment to closer cooperation in the defense industry through new projects. In addition, Fidan will highlight Hungary’s role as a key partner in security cooperation and underscore joint efforts in counterterrorism that are ongoing, based on shared interests.
The high-level gathering is especially significant since views will be heard on a range of regional and global issues including the Russia-Ukraine war, Gaza, Syria, the Balkans, the South Caucasus and Africa. Fidan is expected to welcome Hungary’s constructive stance and support for advancing Turkiye-European Union relations. On the sidelines of the meeting, Fidan plans to meet with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto. The purpose of the Turkiye-Hungary Joint Consultation Mechanism was founded to expand cooperation in fields such as military, security, the defense industry and counterterrorism. Participating parties include foreign and defense ministers, heads of intelligence services and the defense industry as well as officials from both countries. The mechanism will convene at least once a year, alternating locations between Turkiye and Hungary.
