Uzbekistan–Hungary relations: A flourishing strategic partnership driven by top-level diplomacy
Over the past several years, Uzbekistan and Hungary have built an impressive record of diplomatic dynamism, characterised by trust, frequent high-level contacts, and a shared ambition to elevate their relationship to new heights. Today, the strategic partnership between the two countries stands as a vivid example of how strong political will and consistent engagement can unlock the full potential of bilateral cooperation.
A relationship anchored by trust and leadership
Since Hungary recognised Uzbekistan’s independence in 1991 and diplomatic relations were formally established in 1992, ties between the two countries have evolved remarkably. In the past five years alone, the frequency and substance of contacts between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán have intensified, turning regular dialogues into a reliable framework for strategic alignment.
Key bilateral milestones include Prime Minister Orbán’s official visit to Uzbekistan in March 2021, which laid the foundation for a formal Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership, and President Mirziyoyev’s return visit to Hungary in October 2022, culminating in the signing of 15 key documents that reaffirmed the mutual commitment to deepen cooperation.
These top-level meetings are not ceremonial — they yield tangible results. Each interaction has led to new initiatives, institutional agreements, and expanded cooperation across sectors. In 2023 and 2024 alone, leaders met during several multilateral summits (including the Organisation of Turkic States), as well as through bilateral visits and phone calls, reflecting a continuity of strategic dialogue rarely seen in contemporary diplomacy.
Institutional backbone and frequent engagement
Beyond presidential and prime ministerial meetings, Uzbekistan and Hungary have cultivated robust institutional mechanisms to support this high-level diplomacy. Embassies are now operational in both capitals, while regular sessions of the Uzbek-Hungarian Intergovernmental Commission, foreign minister-level consultations, and the Uzbek-Hungarian Business Council ensure that the political momentum translates into practical cooperation.
Since 2023, Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó has made multiple visits to Tashkent, meeting with senior Uzbek officials and signing agreements on renewable energy, foreign ministry cooperation, and economic programming through 2026. Likewise, Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov has visited Budapest and maintained close coordination with his Hungarian counterpart on the sidelines of key international forums, including the UN General Assembly and other ministerial meetings.
Shared vision for a future-oriented partnership
What distinguishes the Uzbek-Hungarian relationship is not just its frequency but its forward-looking character. Both sides are clearly united in their intent to do more — not merely to maintain, but to expand their strategic ties.
This vision encompasses ambitious goals: enhancing regional connectivity (e.g., freight corridors via China–Uzbekistan–Hungary), deepening educational exchanges (with Hungary offering up to 170 annual scholarships for Uzbek students), and launching joint innovation projects in fields like AI, green energy, and biotechnology.
Efforts are also underway to institutionalize cooperation in defense and security, with the first-ever bilateral security consultations held in Budapest in 2025, accompanied by the signing of a dedicated Roadmap for law enforcement cooperation.
Regional and global coordination
The commitment of both countries to international cooperation is further exemplified by their active coordination in multilateral platforms. Hungary’s engagement with the Turkic world, including its observer status in the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), has opened new opportunities for alignment. Uzbekistan and Hungary have capitalised on this shared space, using OTS summits and cultural platforms as touchpoints for deepening ties.
In October 2024, the first Uzbekistan–Hungary Regional Forum in Kokand marked another breakthrough, demonstrating that bilateral ties are no longer confined to capitals but have cascaded into provinces, cities, and economic zones.
A relationship with momentum
While trade volumes have fluctuated due to global market dynamics, the focus of the partnership has shifted towards quality and strategic projects, such as the establishment of a Hungarian industrial zone in the Angren free economic zone, and cooperation with major logistics players to increase transport capacity across Eurasia.
In the cultural sphere, landmark events like the erection of a monument to Alisher Navoi in Hungary, the celebration of Uzbek cinema in Budapest, and collaborative research projects on historical manuscripts continue to enrich people-to-people ties.
Looking ahead
The depth, intensity, and regularity of Uzbekistan–Hungary relations send a clear message: this is a partnership with momentum, resilience, and strategic foresight. As both nations navigate a rapidly changing global landscape, their relationship stands as a model of how consistent top-level engagement, mutual respect, and shared ambition can pave the way for a genuinely transformative partnership.
The ties between Tashkent and Budapest are not just warm — they are strategic, evolving, and anchored in a joint vision for the future. With each meeting and agreement, Uzbekistan and Hungary reaffirm their status as committed partners, determined to achieve even more together.
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