Bilateral Talks in Ashgabat Highlight Turkmen-Hungarian Partnership on Strategic Sectors

The sixth meeting of the Turkmen-Hungarian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation has taken place in Ashgabat, featuring intensive bilateral discussions and a focus on key strategic sectors.

The Hungarian delegation was led by Ádám Stifter, Deputy State Secretary for Eastern Relations at Hungary’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, The Caspian Post informs via Turkmen media.

The agenda included a series of in-depth meetings, reflecting a shift from initial dialogue toward the practical implementation of agreements. Energy stood out as the central area of cooperation, with senior Hungarian officials holding separate talks with leaders from Turkmenistan’s State Concern “Turkmengaz” and the Ministry of Energy.

The commission meeting itself saw participation from prominent figures, including the CEO of MVM Group Co. Ltd., one of Hungary’s leading energy companies, underscoring the focus on energy connectivity and potential collaborative projects. Hungary, as an EU member, views Turkmenistan as a crucial strategic partner in diversifying and securing energy supplies.

A key highlight of the session was the emphasis on swiftly signing the Agreement on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments between the two governments. This pact is expected to broaden economic cooperation and lay a solid legal foundation for increased Hungarian investment in Turkmenistan.

Both parties reaffirmed Hungary’s role as a “gateway” for expanding Turkmenistan’s trade and economic relations with European Union markets. The Hungarian delegation also included representatives from the Ministries of Agriculture, National Economy, and the Hungarian Export Promotion Agency (HEPA).

Beyond energy, the commission reviewed cooperation across traditional sectors such as agriculture and food processing, water resource management, environmental protection, healthcare, and the medical industry.

Cultural and humanitarian ties were also highlighted during the visit, with the Hungarian delegation touring the National Museum of Turkmen Carpets, underscoring the shared commitment to fostering tourism and cultural exchange.

The meeting concluded with the signing of the Protocol of the sixth session, and both sides agreed to hold the seventh session of the commission in Budapest.