Prime Minister Orbán has underscored the strategic importance of Hungary’s alliance with the Turkic states, stating that the country’s energy security—and the affordability of household utility bills—would be unachievable without this cooperation. During a working visit with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan at the Carmelite Monastery, the prime minister emphasized the weight of these partnerships in an era marked by global instability.
“Without the Turkic countries, the security of energy supply in Hungary would not be possible,” Prime Minister Orbán declared. He noted that without this alliance, Hungarian families would be paying two to three times more for energy. “Without our Turkic friends, reducing utility bills in Hungary would not be possible,” he added, highlighting that the first gas shipment from Azerbaijan arrived last year and will continue this year, as promised by President Aliyev.
The prime minister acknowledged that in any foreign policy, financial, or energy-related challenge Hungary has faced over recent decades, Azerbaijan has proven to be a dependable partner. In his words, “In an age of danger,” where global security faces increasing pressure, dependable friendships gain immense value. He also pointed out that Hungary is hosting the Organization of Turkic States summit for the first time, a symbolic and strategic moment.
Prime Minister Orbán addressed the broader geopolitical context, noting that Hungary has endured over €20 billion in economic losses due to the war in Ukraine and related sanctions. He criticized the European Union for choosing expansion of the war over isolation and peace, arguing this decision has shattered the strategic foundations of Europe’s previously successful growth model.
“We are navigating the ship of the European economy without a compass,” he stated, observing that gas and electricity are now three to four times more expensive in Europe than in the United States, crippling economic competitiveness.
Following the cessation of energy transfers through Ukrainian pipelines, Hungary negotiated with Turkic allies for southern supply routes. PM Orbán praised Azerbaijan for allowing Hungarian companies MVM and MOL to acquire stakes in Azerbaijani oil and gas fields, securing hundreds of millions of cubic meters of gas and hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil annually.
The two leaders also agreed to expand their cooperation into renewable energy, signaling a shared commitment to diversifying their energy portfolios. This includes future joint ventures in solar and wind energy, which could save billions of cubic meters of natural gas.
President Aliyev confirmed Azerbaijan's readiness to meet Hungary's gas demands and described Hungary as a close friend. “Hungarian-Azerbaijani relations are developing successfully,” he said, noting that Hungary’s role as an observer hosting the Turkic summit reflects its historical roots. He lauded Hungary’s independent foreign policy, stating, “This is a truly heroic act within the European Union,” requiring political determination and calculated strategy.
The Azerbaijani president highlighted that both nations are neighbors to war zones and share a mutual understanding of regional threats. Reflecting on Azerbaijan’s recent peace deal with Armenia, President Aliyev thanked Hungary for its support and said this diplomatic achievement serves as a model for resolving conflicts peacefully—something Hungary, too, values deeply in the current international climate.