Turkish ambassador hails 'exemplary' ties with Hungary

By Mehmet Yilmaz

BUDAPEST (AA) - Turkey's ambassador to Budapest said Hungary sees Turkey as a key and strategic partner.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Ahmet Akif Oktay said Turkey-Hungary relations were in the "golden era", with no issues in the political agenda.

Oktay also said bilateral relations will be discussed during Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's planned official visit to Hungary on On Oct. 8-9.

Erdogan will also attend the opening ceremony of the Ottoman-period Gul Baba Tomb, which was restored in cooperation of both countries, Oktay added.

Oktay said the ties between the two countries were "exemplary", particularly in the cultural area.

He said, "Hungary has many artifacts dating back to the Ottoman period. We restore these artifacts together with the Hungarian government."

"There is an exemplary relationship in terms of culture," Oktay noted.

He said Hungary has been following policies to expand its relations with the countries in the east and south of the country, which makes Turkey "a key and strategic partner".