Kazakhstan and Hungary Strengthen Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation and Partnership within the Framework of PACE

Astana, May 6, 2025 – Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu met with a delegation of the National Assembly (Parliament) of Hungary, currently paying an official visit to Kazakhstan.

The Hungarian delegation included Chair of the Kazakhstan-Hungary Parliamentary Cooperation Group Sándor Fazekas, his Deputy Sándor Kovács, and member of the Committee on Political Affairs and Democracy of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Zsolt Németh.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state and future prospects of Kazakh-Hungarian relations, with special emphasis on strengthening inter-parliamentary dialogue, expanding humanitarian ties and cooperation within international organizations, including the Council of Europe and the OSCE.

Minister Nurtleu stressed the importance of further deepening the strategic partnership between Astana and Budapest, which is based on historical friendship, mutual respect and common approaches to key international issues.

Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister congratulated Sándor Fazekas on the awarding of the Order of Dostyk, II Class, by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s decree in recognition of his personal contribution to strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Particular attention was paid to Kazakhstan’s cooperation with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, notably in promoting the rule of law, human rights and democratic principles. In this context, both sides reaffirmed their mutual interest in further developing a constructive dialogue with European institutions.

The Kazakh Foreign Minister expressed his confidence in the successful implementation of the Council of Europe’s programme “Neighborhood Cooperation Priorities (NCP) for Kazakhstan 2024-2027”, which covers a number of key areas in the field of human rights and domestic political development, in line with the logic of the reforms initiated by the Head of State.

Issues related to the broadening and deepening of cooperation were discussed in more detail during a meeting between Zsolt Németh and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Roman Vassilenko. The Deputy Minister shared with the European guest a comprehensive overview of Kazakhstan’s systemic political and socio-economic reforms aimed at building a Just and Fair Kazakhstan.

Noting that Kazakhstan is a party to four Council of Europe conventions, Deputy Minister Vassilenko expressed Kazakhstan’s interest in further strengthening cooperation with the Council by acceding to additional instruments of the Organization, which would contribute to the country’s political modernization and economic development.

In this context, the positive cooperation with the Venice Commission was noted, as it provides expert and advisory support for the reform of Kazakhstan’s legal institutions.

The parties underlined the importance of the active participation of Kazakh parliamentarians, government officials and representatives of NGOs in PACE sessions, which serves as a useful platform for sharing experiences and presenting objective information on ongoing processes in Kazakhstan.