Islamabad: Pakistan and Hungary have agreed to enhance their cooperation across various fields and strengthen collaboration at multilateral forums, including the United Nations. The understanding to this effect was reached at a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Hungary’s Foreign Minister P©ter Szijj¡rt³ in Islamabad.
According to Radio Pakistan, during a joint news conference, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized the mutual interest shared by both nations in areas such as agriculture, energy, healthcare, Information Technology, and industrial manufacturing. He highlighted the vast scope for enhancing bilateral cooperation and described Hungary as a steadfast and trusted partner of Pakistan, with ties rooted in mutual understanding and shared aspirations for peace and development.
Reaffirming the commitment to strengthen this relationship, Ishaq Dar praised Hungary’s contributions to Pakistan’s development and expressed confidence in the partnership’s continued growth, guided by mutual commitment to peace and multilateral cooperation. He also briefed the Hungarian Foreign Minister on regional matters, including Pakistan’s stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, advocating for its resolution in line with UN Security Council resolutions, and reiterated Pakistan’s support for Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
Hungarian Foreign Minister P©ter Szijj¡rt³ expressed support for extending the GSP Plus status for Pakistan beyond 2027, recognizing Pakistan as a reliable partner. He noted the significance of the GSP Plus status for both sides and referred to the signed MOUs on cooperation in archaeology and culture, acknowledging the rich histories and cultural heritage of both countries as a source of strength.
The Hungarian Foreign Minister appreciated Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism, which contribute significantly to global and European security. He expressed satisfaction over the doubling of trade between the two countries and mentioned that Hungarian companies have completed food security and water management projects in Pakistan. Additionally, Hungary offers four hundred scholarships to Pakistani students each year.
A delegation of seventeen business leaders accompanied the Hungarian Foreign Minister during the visit. Discussions focused on promoting bilateral relations through expanded cooperation in education, agriculture, food security, medical science, water management, and energy sectors. An agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic passports and two MOUs for cooperation in culture and archaeology sectors were also signed.
This visit by Hungary’s Foreign Minister, at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, underscored the enduring partnership between the two nations. It marked P©ter Szijj¡rt³’s second visit to Pakistan, reflecting the robust ties and high-level engagements, including meetings with the Prime Minister and the Minister of Commerce. The inauguration of the Pakistan-Hungary Business Forum and a productive Business-to-Business event further demonstrated the shared commitment to strengthening bilateral economic ties.
Coinciding with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Hungary, the successful visit reaffirmed the growing momentum in bilateral ties and laid a solid foundation for expanded cooperation in the years ahead.