Hungary and Armenia Open Embassies in One Another's Capitals

Ararat Mirzoyan (L) and Péter Szijjártó (R)

Hungary and Armenia are poised to deepen their diplomatic ties by opening embassies in one another’s capitals, marking a significant milestone in their improved relations since restoring diplomatic ties a year and a half ago.

Hungary and Armenia have announced the opening of embassies in each other’s capitals, marking a significant step in the improvement of relations since the restoration of diplomatic ties eighteen months ago, as stated by Péter Szijjártó, Hungary’s Minister of Foreign… pic.twitter.com/Oy7ZWuNkkI

— Zoltan Kovacs (@zoltanspox) May 6, 2024

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó made this announcement in Budapest on Monday during a joint press conference with his Armenian counterpart, Ararat Mirzoyan. Reflecting on the progress made since the decision to re-establish diplomatic relations in December 2022, Szijjártó emphasized the practical advancements achieved for the benefit of both countries’ economies and citizens.

Notably, an agreement on economic and foreign affairs cooperation has been signed, facilitating the establishment of a joint economic committee to further strengthen relations.

Minister Szijjártó also highlighted the robust economic ties between Hungary and Armenia, noting a record increase in bilateral trade turnover and the growing presence of Hungarian pharmaceutical companies in the Armenian market. Additionally, he announced the commencement of direct flights between the two capitals, courtesy of Wizz Air, starting in July.

Moreover, he underscored the humanitarian aspect of the cooperation, mentioning support provided to Armenian families returning to their homeland and initiatives such as summer camps for Armenian children in Hungary and scholarships for Armenian students at Hungarian universities.

Looking ahead, Mr. Szijjártó expressed Hungary’s commitment to enhancing relations with Armenia during its upcoming EU presidency, with a focus on developing the partnership agenda and launching a visa liberalization dialogue.

He reiterated Hungary’s stance on peaceful conflict resolution and welcomed recent efforts by political leaders in Armenia and Azerbaijan to secure long-term peace in the Caucasus region.

In conclusion, Szijjártó emphasized Hungary’s willingness to contribute to the peace-building process in the region, reflecting the country’s commitment to fostering stability and cooperation on the international stage.

Fact

The opening of diplomatic missions in the two capitals is an important event for both Hungary and Armenia. Previously, the extradition of Ramil Safarov to Azerbaijan in 2012, caused considerable tension in relations between the two countries. Safarov, who was a major in the Azeri army, murdered a fellow soldier, who was Armenian, with an axe during a training course in Hungary in 2004. Safarov was released in his home country after his extradition and was hailed as a national hero. As a consequence, Armenia decided to sever diplomatic relations.

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Via MTI; Featured Image: MTI / Soós Lajos

Hungary and Armenia Open Embassies in One Another’s Capitals

Ararat Mirzoyan (L) and Péter Szijjártó (R)

Notably, an agreement on economic and foreign affairs cooperation has been signed, facilitating the establishment of a joint economic committee to further strengthen relations.

He reiterated Hungary’s stance on peaceful conflict resolution and welcomed recent efforts by political leaders in Armenia and Azerbaijan to secure long-term peace in the Caucasus region.

Fact