Erdoğan holds high-level talks during Budapest visit

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's one-day visit to Budapest on Aug. 20 was marked by a series of diplomatic discussions as he engaged in talks with both Hungarian leaders and a contingent of international guests amid the backdrop of the World Athletics Championships hosted by Hungary.

Upon his arrival at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, Erdoğan, responding to the invitation extended by Prime Minister Viktor Orban, was welcomed by European Union Affairs Minister Janos Boka, Chief of Protocol Anett Varga, Hungarian ambassador to Ankara Viktor Matis and Türkiye's ambassador to Budapest Gülşen Karanis Ekşioğlu.

The visit saw Erdoğan engage in bilateral and inter-delegation meetings with Orban. The talks, held at Orban's office at the Karmelita Monastery, centered around discussions on Türkiye-Hungary relations, the former's ongoing efforts toward full membership in the EU, as well as pertinent regional and global developments.

Erdoğan was accompanied by a delegation including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, Youth and Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak, Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır and Trade Minister Ömer Bolat.

Presidential Communications Director Fahrettin Altun, Akif Çağatay Kılıç, chief advisor to the president for foreign policy and security, Karanis Ekşioğlu and Çubukçu were also among the delegation.

Amid the diplomatic exchanges, Erdoğan also took part in celebrations commemorating the Foundation Day of the Hungarian state and attended select events of the World Athletics Championship, being hosted by Hungary.

Notably, Erdoğan engaged in conversations with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al...