During his official visit to Japan, Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok met Emperor Naruhito, highlighting the deep cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations and invited the emperor to Hungary.Continue reading
Hungary is seeking to significantly intensify its agricultural relations with Japan, with the primary goal of reviving meat exports and establishing a stronger presence for Hungarian food products in the Far Eastern market, the Hungarian Minister of Agriculture said on Monday in Tokyo.
During a meeting with Hirofumi Takinami, Japan’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, the Hungarian politician pointed out that they have maintained diplomatic relations for more than a century and a half. Thus, Minister Nagy believes the foundation for strong bilateral relations is firmly established.
István Nagy expressed his appreciation for the organization of the Osaka World Expo. He added that Japan draws attention to areas that are of particular importance and affect everyone’s lives, such as innovative solutions, recycling, and sustainability.
Meeting in Tokyo with Hirofumi Takinami, State Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan.
⁰Restarting Hungarian meat exports to Japan is a vital national interest — we are working to ensure that high-quality Hungarian food products reach Japanese consumers.… pic.twitter.com/hmt6XxIJLM— Dr Nagy István (@DrNagyIstvn1) June 16, 2025
The Minister also spoke about how effective action against animal diseases is becoming an increasingly significant challenge worldwide. Hungary, for instance, recently had to combat the contagious foot-and-mouth disease.
The Minister recalled that Japan was one of the first countries to recognize regionalization in relation to Hungarian pork.
It is in our interest to get Hungarian meat exports to the region back on track and running smoothly again, which is also really important for Hungarian farmers,”
he noted.
“Hungary has high standards of animal health and disease prevention, and it is in our fundamental interest to maintain consumer confidence and keep our livestock free from infection. Our country is ready to provide Japan with reassuring answers to any questions that may arise.
We are waiting for the delegation from the Far East to visit Hungary so that they can see our domestic measures for themselves,”
Nagy emphasized.
Fisheries and sustainability issues were also discussed at the meeting. According to the Minister, Japan must be allowed to decide what it wants to do with the eel native to Asia. “Environmental protection is of paramount importance to both parties, and the key lies in shaping attitudes, which must begin as early as possible, even among the younger generations,” he said.
During the talks, Minister Nagy invited his partner to visit the National Agricultural and Food Industry Exhibition and Fair to be held in Hungary in September. The Japanese Deputy Minister asked the Minister of Agriculture to participate in the 2027 International Horticultural Exhibition in Yokohama.
Via MTI, Featured image: Pixabay