Budapest sees Astana as a key “middle power” and leading partner in Central Asia, DKNews.kz reports.
Kazakhstan and Hungary are preparing to deepen their strategic partnership as both countries look ahead to a new phase of political and economic cooperation. This message emerged from a recent meeting in Budapest between Abzal Saparbekuly, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Hungary, and Adam Stifter, Deputy State Secretary at the Hungarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The talks reflected not just routine diplomacy, but a shared intention to give fresh momentum to bilateral ties at a time when Central Asia’s role in global affairs is steadily growing.
Beyond protocol: a broad and practical agenda
During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the current state and future prospects of cooperation across a wide range of areas, including politics, trade and investment, as well as cultural and humanitarian exchanges. Particular attention was paid to upcoming high-level bilateral visits, which are expected to shape the next stage of cooperation.
Diplomats also discussed ways to expand the legal framework underpinning relations and strengthen coordination within international organizations, highlighting a desire to move from dialogue to more concrete, long-term projects.
Hungary takes interest in Kazakhstan’s reforms
A key part of the conversation focused on Kazakhstan’s internal transformation agenda. The Hungarian side was briefed on major development initiatives and the constitutional reforms proposed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the National Assembly in Kyzylorda.
These reforms include the President’s vision for:
- the future name, structure, and powers of Parliament
- broader changes to socio-political and state institutions
- reforms involving bodies such as the People’s Council and the Vice Presidency
For Budapest, these reforms signal Kazakhstan’s intention to modernize governance and strengthen institutional stability, factors that are closely watched by political and economic partners alike.
Kazakhstan as a regional anchor
Adam Stifter подчеркнул that Hungary attaches strategic importance to relations with the Organization of Turkic States and Central Asian countries, with Kazakhstan occupying a special place in this approach.
Hungary sees Kazakhstan not only as a political partner, but also as:
- a key economic and investment counterpart
- a recognized “middle power”
- and a leading state in Central Asia
According to the Hungarian side, further intensifying comprehensive cooperation with Kazakhstan is an official priority for Budapest, especially in the context of changing regional and global dynamics.
Looking ahead to 2026
Following the talks, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the Kazakh–Hungarian strategic partnership. Diplomats noted that 2025 had already become an important year for bilateral relations and expressed confidence that 2026 would bring even more large-scale and meaningful events, both at the bilateral and multilateral levels.
As Kazakhstan continues to position itself as an active regional and global player, and Hungary deepens its engagement with Central Asia, the dialogue between Astana and Budapest appears set to move from words to sustained action.
