Istanbul, December 08 (QNA) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met Monday with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who is visiting Istanbul, to explore ways to deepen bilateral relations across a range of fields.

The two leaders also discussed several regional and international issues of mutual concern.

At a joint news conference following their meeting, Erdogan announced the creation of a joint planning group with Hungary to address bilateral and global matters "in a more institutional framework."

He also revealed that the sides had signed several agreements covering aviation, security, technology, culture and education.

Erdogan said the two countries are close to reaching the target of USD 6 billion in trade volume, noting that 2025 has been designated the Turkish-Hungarian Year of Science and Innovation, during which 28 joint initiatives have been carried out and funding allocated for shared projects.

Orban, for his part, praised Erdogan's efforts regarding the Russia-Ukraine file. (QNA)