Hungary and Türkiye Strengthen Strategic Defense Cooperation and Energy Security

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Istanbul on December 8, marking their 32nd meeting and highlighting the significance of Hungary-Türkiye relations. The leaders discussed energy security, bilateral trade expansion from $6 billion to $10 billion, and defense cooperation.

Hungary's Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky emphasized the tangible outcomes of their strategic partnership initiated in 2023, including new military capabilities and the development of Hungary's defense industry. Key projects include the acquisition of Turkish Dragon MRAP vehicles, with over 300 ordered, and the establishment of the Hungarian-Turkish Defense Innovation Working Group for enhanced collaboration. Additionally, the inaugural session of the Hungarian-Turkish Consultation Mechanism was held to bolster cooperation in foreign, security, and defense policies.