Hungary stresses growing significance of Turkic world

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – Hungary’s prime minister on Monday stressed that his country recognizes the growing significance of the Turkic world.

“The Turkic world is becoming increasingly unavoidable, and the Hungarian government is aware of this,” Victor Orban said in a speech to the fall session of Hungary’s parliament, according to a statement by his office.

He stressed that Hungary's involvement with the Organization of Turkic States – a group it has observer status in – stems from concerns about energy supplies, particularly in light of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Hungary remains determined to ensure energy security and independence, he added.

Against this background, he said, agreements with countries numerous countries – including Turkic states Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan – are in line with the government's objective to maintain energy security and build an energy system that guarantees independence.

Orban also criticized what he called European Union “demands for open immigration policies and the creation of migrant ghettos.

"The EU agreements don't mandate the acceptance of migrants,” he said.

Hungary joined the EU in 2004, but in later years has had deep differences with many of the bloc’s policies.