Jeno Boros

What are relations like between Azerbaijan and Hungary?

Azerbaijani-Hungarian political relations are on the highest level. There are also good reserves for the successful development of economic cooperation between our countries. I would especially like to note the contribution to the development of bilateral relations of my good friend, Azerbaijan’s ambassador in Budapest, Hasan Hasanov, who opened the Azerbaijani embassy in Hungary in October 2004 when I was deputy foreign minister of Hungary.

Azerbaijan and Hungary have established very good contacts since then. We are learning more and more about this country. Cooperation between our two countries initially covered the energy sector but has since expanded. Today, to ensure the energy independence of Europe, it is very important to use the potential of Azerbaijan, which has rich energy resources that can be supplied to the European continent via a direct corridor. In turn, the use of European norms and standards will help Azerbaijan strengthen its independence.

I would like to stress the importance of the latest session of the Hungarian-Azerbaijani intergovernmental commission on economic cooperation which was held in Budapest on 22-23 February this year. The event gave a new stimulus to the development of mutual cooperation in agriculture, ecology and water purification, as well as in alternative energy, the use of water resources and other spheres.

How was trade between Azerbaijan and Hungary last year?

Today’s volume of trade is about $20-25m which is below potential. I do hope that in the coming three to five years it will be close to the existing potential. Today Hungary supplies Azerbaijan with traditional goods, such as medicines. In turn, we buy such products as, for example, pomegranates, from your country.

What about the potential of bilateral trade?

It is about hundreds of millions of dollars.

What other products does Hungary intend to buy in Azerbaijan and what is it ready to offer in exchange?

Azerbaijan plays a central role in the Caucasus. Therefore, I think it is necessary to develop not only bilateral but also multilateral cooperation with other neighbouring regional countries via Azerbaijan. We are ready to cooperate with your country in any spheres, wherever possible.

Are any bilateral visits expected soon?

This depends on EU policy. Hungary is an EU member and it mostly builds its foreign policy based on common European values and interests. The foreign minister of Spain, which is currently presiding over the EU, recently paid a visit to Baku. I think during its presidency Spain will take the steps that will really influence the process of EU policy formation.

Leyla Tagiyeva
News.Az