Hungarian and Ukrainian foreign ministers hold talks in Budapest to strengthen relations

Hungary continued to promote peace as the only way “to end the suffering of hundreds of thousands or millions of people and families,” Szijjártó said.

“Hungary is supporting all initiatives bringing about a swift peace, and those raising the hope that the war can be concluded with negotiations and diplomacy,” he said.

Szijjártó confirmed to Sybiha that Hungary would continue “the largest humanitarian mission of its history” until it is needed to help people in difficulties he said.

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He said the number of refugees has topped 1.4 million, and nearly 15,000 Ukrainian children have had the opportunity to attend summer camps in Hungary. Hungary has ploughed 66 billion forints (EUR 166.4m) into support for Ukraine, and Ukrainian children are now attending hundreds of schools and kindergartens.

“Hungary is ready to take part in the reconstruction of Ukraine, this is not just a cliche on our part – we’re taking action too. We have been taking part in reconstruction even as the war is still ongoing, as well as the work necessary to restore the operation of healthcare and educational institutions,” Szijjártó said.

Szijjártó also highlighted Hungary’s role in the safe natural gas and electricity supply of Ukraine.

“Since the start of the war, some 300 billion cubic meters of natural gas has flowed through Hungary into Ukraine, and it has also become the largest resource of electricity imports for Ukraine since June. During the summer, some 45 percent of Ukrainian electricity imports arrived in Ukraine from or through Hungary,” he said.

Hungary is also ready to develop cross-border infrastructure, Szijjártó said, noting the recently opened crossing between Nagyhodos and Valyka Palad’ (Nagypalad), and adding that Hungary was ready to increase the capacity of the crossing at Beregsurany. The government has also supported the construction of a large logistical centre in Fenyeslitke, “and we are ready to build a new bridge on the River Tisza”, he said.

“I have also confirmed that we are ready to set up a cross-border company development area,” he said.

Regarding the contested issues between the two countries Szijjártó said bilateral ties must be based on “mutual goodwill, respect and good faith”.

“With respect, we expect Ukraine to restore the rights of the Hungarian ethnic community in access to the mother tongue, education, culture, and public administration.” He added that the ministers have agreed to speed up the work of the working groups addressing Hungary’s 11-point proposal to resolve the situation.

Szijjártó asked Sybiha to ensure that Kyiv refrains from “sudden unilateral moves that put our country’s supplies at risk”, just as Hungary is ensuring the full capacity of energy deliveries to Ukraine.

“I also asked the minister to ensure that Hungarian companies are not discriminated against,” he said.

“The meeting has convinced me that the intention to develop neighbourly relations is mutual,” Szijjártó said.

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