An official reception has been hosted on behalf of President Ilham Aliyev in honor of President of Hungary Pal Schmitt who is paying an official visit to Azerbaijan. 

President Ilham Aliyev greeted the Hungarian President and the accompanying delegation again. He said that the visit would open a new phase in the development of cooperation between the two countries.

Noting that the discussions held during the visit have been helpful, the President of Azerbaijan said that bilateral relations have further developed since his state visit to Hungary in 2008 and that reciprocal visits have played an important role in enhancing bilateral cooperation.

The head of state said:

- The relations between Hungarian and Azerbaijani peoples have an ancient history. Back in the 15-17th centuries there were diplomatic ties and trade relations between the Aq-Qoyunlu and Safavid states and Hungarian kingdoms. At different times the works of outstanding representatives of Azerbaijani literature have been translated into Hungarian and those of Hungarian writers into Azeri. People in Hungary listen to Azerbaijani mugham, which has gained fame around the world, and to Azerbaijani symphonic music with interest.

I attach special importance to the development of relations between Hungary and Azerbaijan. Hungary was among the first states to recognize Azerbaijan’s independence. And next year we will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of our diplomatic relations.

Pointing to an increase of the trade turnover observed in recent years, President Aliyev said cooperation with the European Union and Euro-Atlantic entities has an important place in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy.

The President noted that Azerbaijan is one of the major economic centers of the region and makes an important contribution to the energy security of European countries. At the same time, Azerbaijan is committed to ensuring peace, stability and security in the region.

President Ilham Aliyev said:

- For over 20 years our historical lands, Nagorno-Karabakh and seven surrounding districts, have been occupied by Armenia. As a result of a policy of ethnic cleansing carried out by Armenia on occupied territories, over a million Azerbaijanis have become refugees and IDPs.

There are four UN Security Council resolutions, ordinances and resolutions of the OSCE, the Council of Europe, NATO, the European Parliament, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and other international organizations regarding the conflict. Our resolute position is that the conflict must be resolved only in line with international law and Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

President of Hungary Pal Schmitt thanked President Ilham Aliyev for the invitation to visit Azerbaijan. He said this visit would elevate friendly relations to a higher level.

Touching upon the history of Azerbaijani and Hungarian peoples, the Hungarian President said:

The history of relations between Azerbaijani and Hungarian peoples dates back to the distant past, and since then the two nations, which are part of a single ethnic group of the Huns, Scythians, Khazars, have had a common ancient heritage and kinship. We are connected to each other through cultural and linguistic similarities. The fourth congress of the Assembly of Nations due in Hungary in August next year will be an important manifestation of this kinship, and we look forward to seeing representatives from Azerbaijan at this event.

“Our peoples and states have historically respected each other,” President Pal Schmitt said, noting that after Azerbaijan gained independence the two countries established an intense dialogue, achieved significant results in bilateral cooperation, paid a number of high-level official visits and created the legal framework. Thus Azerbaijan has become Hungary’s strategic partner in the South Caucasus.

Stressing that Hungary is firmly and permanently committed to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, Pal Schmitt said his country’s is in favor of a peaceful settlement of frozen conflicts in the region.

The President of Hungary said:

Let me assure you that Hungary supports Azerbaijan’s efforts towards Euro-Atlantic integration. We respect your customs, traditions and values. We consider Azerbaijan the most developed country in the region. For us, Azerbaijan is a close friend and important partner in the region.

“This visit is a good opportunity to further deepen the existing relations in the field of culture, education and science,” the President of Hungary said and expressed confidence that the two countries have the potential to dynamically develop economic, trade and energy relations.

In conclusion, the Hungarian head of state wished prosperity to the people of Azerbaijan, and peace and progress to Azerbaijan.