Kazakh-Hungarian Cooperation: Bridging History and Future

President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev is set to visit Hungary on May 20–21 to attend the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States. During his visit, a series of bilateral meetings will also take place, highlighting the significance of Kazakh-Hungarian relations. In this context, it is timely to reflect on the enduring partnership between the two countries.

Diplomatic relations between Kazakhstan and Hungary were officially established on March 23, 1992. A year later, in March 1993, Hungary opened its embassy in Kazakhstan. That same year, in September, Kazakhstan launched its embassy in Hungary.

In 2023, President Tokayev met with Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok at the Sándor Palace in Budapest. During the meeting, President Tokayev highlighted the steady development of bilateral ties over more than three decades, noting the establishment of a strong political dialogue, productive economic cooperation, and robust cultural and humanitarian exchanges.

Kazakhstan and Hungary have built a strong bilateral relationship grounded in shared historical and cultural roots,” said President Tokayev. “Our first embassy in Europe opened in Budapest 30 years ago. The two nations possess great potential for advancing meaningful cooperation. Hungary was among the first countries to recognize Kazakhstan’s independence—this is a gesture we deeply value. My visit reflects our mutual determination to further deepen this multifaceted partnership.

President Tokayev emphasized the significance of expanding trade, economic, and investment cooperation. According to him, the two countries share common interests in the development of key sectors such as energy, transportation and logistics, metallurgy, renewable energy, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and food production.

In response, President Tamás Sulyok acknowledged the geographical distance between the two countries but underlined their shared historical and strategic interests.

“Kazakhstan, located along the ancient Silk Road, has become a leading economic force in Central Asia. Your country places a high priority on fostering friendship and cooperation among nations. Kazakhstan has been a major contributor to peace and stability in the region. Today, both our nations are committed to enhancing multifaceted cooperation and building enduring partnerships. Our cultural ties go back centuries. Hungarians are well acquainted with Kazakh traditions and lifestyle. The name ‘Almaty’ resonates melodiously in our language, as we, too, call apples ‘alma’,” said President Sulyok.

Kazakhstan and Hungary Continue Advancing Strategic Partnership

In 2023, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán paid an official visit to Kazakhstan, during which he met with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The talks focused on the current state and future prospects of Kazakh-Hungarian relations, with special attention to strengthening political dialogue, deepening trade and economic cooperation, and expanding cultural and humanitarian ties.

President Tokayev expressed his appreciation for Prime Minister Orbán's substantial contribution to bringing Kazakhstan and Hungary closer together. In response, Viktor Orbán thanked the President of Kazakhstan for the invitation and the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation. He praised the level of political dialogue and mutually beneficial partnership between the two nations.

“It always feels like coming home,” said Viktor Orbán during their meeting at the Akorda Presidential Palace. “Hungarians gladly visit Kazakhstan, as our peoples are connected by millennia-old common roots. Over the past decade, we have invested significant effort in building our cooperation and achieved remarkable results. It is a great honor for me to work with you. Hungary has always been a reliable strategic partner of Kazakhstan — and will remain so. Our relations are stronger than ever, but there is still immense potential, particularly in the economic sphere. We have promising opportunities ahead.”

Over the past decades, Kazakhstan and Hungary have actively advanced their cooperation across a range of sectors. Since 1996, the two countries have operated an Intergovernmental Commission on Cooperation in Combating Organized Crime, Terrorism, and the Illicit Trafficking of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances. In 2008, they established another Intergovernmental Commission focused on economic cooperation.

In addition, the two countries have signed numerous bilateral agreements over the years, including treaties on combating organized crime and terrorism, agreements on economic cooperation, and a mutual legal assistance treaty in criminal matters.

A major milestone in business relations came in 2012 with the creation of the Kazakh-Hungarian Business Council. Two years later, in 2014, the two governments signed a Joint Declaration on Strategic Cooperation, elevating their partnership to a new level.

In 2015, the Kazakhstan-Hungary Agricultural Direct Investment Fund was established with an initial capital of $40 million. That same year, the countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of a Strategic Council for bilateral cooperation.

Another important step toward deepening connectivity came in June 2017, with the launch of direct air service between Budapest and Astana, further facilitating business and people-to-people exchanges.

A Partnership Rooted in Trust and Shared Global Vision

Kazakhstan and Hungary have built a relationship based on mutual understanding and trust in the political sphere. The two countries share similar views on key issues of international policy, allowing them to align closely in various multilateral platforms.

Hungary was a steadfast supporter of Kazakhstan’s successful bid to chair the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in 2010. Budapest also officially endorsed Kazakhstan’s initiative to host EXPO 2017 in Astana and continues to support the country's accession to various conventions of the Council of Europe in the field of criminal justice. Furthermore, Hungary remains an advocate for simplifying the EU visa regime for Kazakh citizens.

A major institutional milestone was the establishment of the Kazakhstan–Hungary Strategic Council in 2015, which has since become a key mechanism for bilateral cooperation. On December 6, 2016, Hungary became the first EU country to ratify the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) between Kazakhstan and the European Union, which had been signed in Astana on December 21, 2015.

A solid legal and institutional framework now underpins the bilateral relationship. In addition to the Strategic Council, the two countries have functioning intergovernmental commissions on trade, economic affairs, and legal cooperation. The active work of parliamentary friendship groups also plays an important role in fostering closer ties.

Over more than a quarter century of cooperation, Kazakhstan and Hungary have achieved significant progress in trade and economic relations. Numerous joint economic projects have been successfully implemented, including the creation of a joint agricultural private equity fund. Among the prominent investors in Kazakhstan’s economy is Hungary’s MOL Group — one of the leading oil and gas companies in Central and Eastern Europe.

Trade on the Rise

Over the past three decades, Kazakhstan and Hungary have significantly expanded their trade and economic cooperation. In 2024, the total trade turnover between the two countries reached $195.8 million, marking a 4.4% increase from $182.5 million in 2023. Kazakhstan’s exports to Hungary rose by 12.3% to $5.3 million, while imports grew by 4.2% to $190.5 million.

Kazakhstan now aims to more than triple its trade volume with Hungary—from approximately $200 million in 2024 to $700 million. Minister of Trade of Kazakhstan Arman Shakkaliev announced the ambitious target, noting that achieving this goal would require diversifying the export structure across 95 product categories.

“We are determined to raise our exports to $700 million in sectors such as metallurgy, mechanical engineering, food production, and construction materials. Trade must act as an accelerator of cooperation. For both our countries, it’s not just about buying and selling, but about co-producing and co-developing,” said Minister Shakkaliev.

Hungarian investors have also shown growing interest in Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector. According to Hungary’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Levente Magyar, Hungarian entrepreneurs are planning to build four agro-industrial plants in Kazakhstan, including a premix production facility in the Almaty region, a feed mill in Kostanay, and additional enterprises in the cities of Saran and Turkestan. The total investment is estimated at $62 million.

Hungarian Minister of Agriculture István Nagy emphasized the importance of deepening agricultural cooperation, proposing joint efforts to access major markets such as China and Russia. Plans include collaboration in seed breeding and livestock development.

“You can trade duty-free, while we can contribute our technologies and genetics, whether in crop seeds or animal husbandry,” Nagy noted.

Additionally, Hungarian pharmaceutical company Gedeon Richter has expressed interest in localizing production in Kazakhstan. To further facilitate bilateral trade, Kazakhstan will open a QazTrade representative office in Hungary. According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture, this office will support the promotion of Kazakh products in both Hungarian and broader European markets.

Hungarian Investments Gain Momentum in Kazakhstan's Strategic Sectors

Over the past two decades, Kazakhstan has attracted more than $300 million in investments from Hungary, underlining the robust and growing economic partnership between the two nations. In 2023, discussions were held regarding potential Hungarian investments totaling $490 million, targeting key sectors such as mechanical engineering, agriculture, and logistics.

Hungarian companies are among the major foreign investors in Kazakhstan’s economy. Notably, energy giant MOL, as well as pharmaceutical firms Gedeon Richter and Egis, have established a strong presence in the country. Today, 32 Hungarian enterprises operate in Kazakhstan, alongside 39 joint Kazakh-Hungarian ventures involved in agriculture, trade, construction, and the mining sector.

A milestone in this cooperation came in December 2023, when MOL launched one of the largest gas condensate fields in Kazakhstan—the Rozhkovskoye field. This project is a joint effort with JSC “KazMunayGas Exploration Production” (KMG EP) and First International Oil Corporation (FIOC). Subsoil use rights are held by “Ural Oil and Gas” (UOG), a joint venture consisting of KazMunayGas (50%), Hungary’s MOL Group (27.5%), and China’s Sinopec (22.5%).

According to KazMunayGas, the Rozhkovskoye field was discovered in 2008, with a production contract signed in 2015. The field’s recoverable reserves include an estimated 12.5 million tons of gas condensate and 26.8 billion cubic meters of reservoir gas—making it a strategic asset in Kazakhstan’s energy sector and a testament to the strength of international collaboration.

Long-Term Energy Cooperation and Oil Supply Opportunities

The Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan is consistently working to expand its oil transportation routes and unlock new opportunities aimed at improving the profitability of export operations and strengthening the country’s energy security.

As part of broader efforts to diversify export routes and deepen energy cooperation with European nations, Kazakhstan is exploring the possibility of supplying oil to Hungary.

At the current stage, the technical feasibility of oil transportation from Kazakhstan has been confirmed, laying the groundwork for future steps. Negotiations on commercial terms are a complex and multi-stage process that requires careful consideration. The next phase will involve discussions between JSC KazMunayGas (KMG) and Hungary’s MOL Group on key commercial terms, including supply volumes, pricing, and transit conditions. Trial shipments are being considered as a tool for assessing the long-term prospects of cooperation, the Ministry of Energy said in a statement.

The exact timeline and terms for regular supplies will be determined upon the completion of negotiations and the signing of the relevant agreements.

During his recent visit to Kazakhstan, Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó, gave an exclusive interview to Kazinform, where he discussed energy investments, joint industrial projects, and Hungary’s aspiration to deepen economic cooperation with Kazakhstan.

“MOL is Hungary’s largest oil and gas company and remains actively invested in Kazakhstan’s energy sector. Specifically, MOL has invested approximately $200 million in the Rozhkovskoye field, where over 300 million cubic meters of gas and 200,000 tons of condensate have already been extracted. Five wells have been put into operation, and the project is considered a great success.

Building on this success, the company is eager to expand its operations in Kazakhstan. Several opportunities are being studied, including the Berezovskoye field, which opens the possibility of a joint Kazakhstan–China–Hungary project—an initiative that aligns well with our strategic interests.

We also understand that oil and gas production at this new site will require cutting-edge technology. MOL is well-equipped in this regard, having developed proprietary technological solutions through its own research and development. These capabilities will contribute significantly to the successful development of the Berezovskoye oil and gas field.

Moreover, MOL is actively expanding its operations in the petrochemical sector and is offering its products to KazMunayGas for utilization. Discussions are underway regarding the inclusion of Kazakhstan’s KEBCO crude oil into our national energy mix.

From a political standpoint, both sides are open to cooperation. The transportation route is available through the operational Druzhba pipeline. The only remaining issue—though of course a key one—is pricing. We are optimistic about the outcome of the commercial negotiations between MOL and KazMunayGas and hope that Kazakhstan’s oil will soon become an integral part of Hungary’s energy balance,” said Minister Szijjártó.

Economic Dialogue Through Chamber-Level Talks

Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Hungary, Abzal Saparbekuly, recently held a meeting with Elek Nagy, President of the Hungarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The meeting focused on the current status and future prospects of bilateral trade, economic, and investment cooperation.

Special emphasis was placed on expanding investment cooperation. It was highlighted that the current portfolio of Kazakh-Hungarian investment projects comprises 18 initiatives totaling around $900 million across sectors such as energy, agribusiness, logistics, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and IT.

The Ambassador also underlined the importance of the proposed Kazakhstan-Hungary Investment Fund—an initiative stemming from high-level discussions between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Ongoing consultations between the economic ministries of both countries aim to populate the fund with concrete projects. The Ambassador called on the Hungarian Chamber to assist in attracting Hungarian companies interested in entering the Kazakh market.

The two sides also discussed various forms of government support for foreign investors in Kazakhstan, including tax incentives, in-kind grants, preferential treatment within special economic zones, and cooperation opportunities in the fields of innovation, water resource management, and digital technologies.

Cultural and Historical Ties Through Shared Heritage and Academic Exchange

Kazakhstan and Hungary enjoy close historical ties rooted in a common past—descendants of Kipchak tribes that migrated from the Torgai steppe in the first half of the 13th century continue to reside in present-day Hungary. Today, artists, scholars, and athletes from both nations actively participate in cultural and sporting events held in each other's countries.

Scholars from Kazakhstan and Hungary have expressed mutual interest in studying their shared historical roots. Joint archaeological research projects are underway to explore the settlement history of Kipchaks in Hungary and Magyars in Kazakhstan.

In 2014, a street named "Astana" and a bust of Kazakh poet Abai Qunanbaiuly were officially unveiled in Budapest, symbolizing the cultural bond between the two nations. Under the framework of the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Education and Science, signed on November 19, 2013, between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Education and Science and Hungary’s Ministry of Human Resources, Kazakhstani universities are closely cooperating with leading Hungarian institutions. Every year, 250 Kazakh citizens receive scholarships to pursue higher education in Hungary. Currently, around 700 students from Kazakhstan are studying in Hungarian universities.

On January 29, 2020, in celebration of the 175th anniversary of Abai Qunanbaiuly, the National Academic Library of Kazakhstan organized a thematic roundtable in Budapest featuring the "Abai Recognized by the World" book and illustration exhibition and the "World of Abai" photo exhibition. During the event, the second Hungarian edition of Mukhtar Auezov’s iconic novel The Path of Abai was presented, followed by a flower-laying ceremony at the poet’s monument.

Later that year, on March 11, the city of Szeged hosted Abai Readings dedicated to the 175th anniversary of the poet. Participants also discussed the legacy of philosopher and scholar Abu Nasr Al-Farabi, whose 1150th anniversary was celebrated in 2020.

On August 10, recognized as Abai Day, the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Budapest held another flower-laying ceremony at Abai’s monument. The event was attended by embassy staff and their families, members of the Kazakh diaspora, Kazakhstani students, and Hungarian students interested in Kazakh language and culture.

Strategic Interparliamentary Partnership

Chairman of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, Yerlan Koshanov, recently held a meeting with a Hungarian parliamentary delegation led by Sándor Fazekas, head of the Hungary–Kazakhstan Interparliamentary Friendship Group. Welcoming the Hungarian deputies, Speaker Koshanov highlighted the robust strategic partnership between the two nations.

“Kazakhstan highly values its close cooperation with Hungary—our strategic partner within the European Union. Our brotherly countries are united by shared values such as independence, harmony, and a commitment to national culture. This common historical heritage provides a solid foundation for fruitful dialogue and multifaceted integration. The trusted relationship between our leaders is a guarantee of this,” noted Koshanov. He emphasized the symbolic significance of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s first official state visit to Budapest in November 2024, which coincided with the 10th anniversary of the two countries' strategic partnership.

The Speaker underscored that the Mazhilis places strong emphasis on expanding parliamentary cooperation with the Hungarian National Assembly. He recalled that during a visit to Budapest last year, the two countries signed a cooperation agreement between their legislative bodies, establishing a firm foundation for bilateral engagement. Koshanov also commended the active work of Hungarian parliamentarians within the Kazakhstan–Hungary Friendship Group and congratulated Sándor Fazekas on his election as chairman of the group.

In response, Mr. Fazekas conveyed warm greetings from the Hungarian Kipchak community to the people of Kazakhstan. He noted that Kipchaks currently reside in nearly 50 settlements across Hungary and deeply value their ancestral connection to Kazakhstan.

Our shared roots are of great significance to us. We strive to preserve and pass this heritage to future generations. Since 1990, we have worked to reestablish historical ties and revitalize relations between our peoples and countries—something we genuinely cherish. For the Kipchaks of Hungary and the Hungarian people as a whole, Kazakhstan’s independence is of utmost importance. It is now a thriving state, and thanks to that, we have been able to build solid diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, stated Fazekas.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed prospects for enhancing cooperation in agriculture, environmental protection, and cultural-humanitarian spheres.

Chairman Koshanov also emphasized the fruitful cooperation between the two countries within the frameworks of the Organization of Turkic States and the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States (TurkPA), as well as the importance of developing ties with Hungarian partners through the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and other multilateral platforms.

Future Outlook

Beyond economic cooperation, Kazakhstan and Hungary have cultivated strong educational and cultural ties. Annually, hundreds of Kazakh students receive scholarships to study at leading Hungarian universities, fostering a new generation of professionals familiar with both countries’ cultures and languages. Cultural events, such as exhibitions and literary festivals, regularly take place in both countries, highlighting shared historical roots and strengthening people-to-people connections.

Kazakhstan and Hungary are increasingly focusing on innovation-driven cooperation. Collaborative projects in digital transformation, IT development, and green technologies illustrate the modern dimension of their partnership. Hungarian expertise in renewable energy and pharmaceuticals complements Kazakhstan’s ambition to diversify its economy and enhance sustainable development.

As members of various international organizations, Kazakhstan and Hungary coordinate on global and regional issues. Their dialogue extends to cooperation within the Organization of Turkic States and the European Union, where Hungary acts as a key bridge for Kazakhstan’s engagement with European markets. This geopolitical synergy enhances stability and opens new avenues for trade and diplomacy.

With upcoming high-level visits and ongoing business forums, the Kazakhstan-Hungary partnership is set to deepen further. Both countries recognize the mutual benefits of expanding trade volumes, attracting investments, and promoting cultural diplomacy. The continuous exchange of expertise and innovation will pave the way for a robust and diversified collaboration in the years ahead.

In conclusion, the Kazakhstan-Hungary partnership continues to strengthen through multifaceted cooperation in economics, culture, energy, and innovation. The shared historical ties and active dialogue between governmental bodies, businesses, and cultural institutions create a solid foundation for future collaboration. With ongoing projects in energy, agriculture, logistics, and education, alongside the promising prospects of expanding investment and trade, both countries are well-positioned to deepen their strategic partnership. Upcoming high-level visits and joint initiatives will undoubtedly further enhance this valuable relationship, contributing to mutual prosperity and regional stability.

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