Péter Szijjártó met with his Israeli counterpart, Giden Sa'ar in Budapest.Continue reading
Israeli President Isaac Herzog arrived in Hungary on a state visit at the invitation of Hungarian President Tamás Sulyok. The official program began with a wreath-laying ceremony at Heroes’ Square in Budapest, reports Magyar Nemzet.
After having talks with his Israeli counterpart, Tamás Sulyok said to the press that Israel can continue to count on Hungary’s support in the international arena, and Hungary’s position in EU forums is focused on cooperation. He assured the Israeli head of state that Hungary condemns anti-Semitism in the strongest terms and applies zero tolerance to all forms of anti-Semitism. This was one of the most important tasks of the Hungarian EU Presidency, he recalled.
It is important, he said, that Jewish communities in Hungary feel safe, especially in the light of what has been happening in Europe in recent years. In addition, Hungary remains committed to educating future generations about the Holocaust, the president stressed.
L-R: Isaac Herzog and Tamás Sulyok at the presidential office at Sándor Palace. Photo: MTI/Bruzák Noémi
Sulyok thanked the President of Israel for the opportunity to meet him in this extremely tense situation and to exchange views on the most important issues for the future of Israel and Hungary. He added that both sides share the same views on issues related to border security, national sovereignty, and identity, and on how to preserve them.
I am convinced that a strong Israel is essential not only for the security of the Middle East, but also for Europe, for the protection of European Jewry, and for the fight against anti-Semitism,”
the head of state stressed.
He emphasized that, as before, Hungary condemns the brutal terrorist attack and military aggression launched by Hamas against Israel on October 7, 2023, the inhuman treatment of hostages, and the use of people as human shields. Israel has the right to self-defense and to ensure the protection of its citizens in the long term, the Hungarian President pointed out, adding that he believes that it is in the common interest of all of us to preserve the results of the Middle East peace process and to avoid the outbreak of further regional war.
Thank you President of Hungary @DrTamasSulyok for your invitation and warm welcome here in Budapest. During my short visit, we will solemnly commemorate the Holocaust of Hungarian Jewry, emphasize the urgent call for the return of our hostages from captivity in Gaza, and… pic.twitter.com/ea0GAQs1mP
— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) February 18, 2025
President Sulyok highlighted that
as in the past, Hungarians will continue to speak out and take action against one-sided and distorting manifestations.
He stressed that the dialogue between the two states is ongoing, there are no problematic or open issues, so strategic cooperation in the fields of research and development, the defense industry, or education and culture can be further deepened.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán received Isaac Herzog at his office at the Carmelite Monastery on Tuesday. The parties discussed current issues of the changing world order and peace and stability in the Middle East region over a working lunch. In the field of economic cooperation between Hungary and Israel, the parties welcomed the dynamic development of relations. At the meeting, Orbán confirmed that Hungary recognizes Israel’s right to self-defense.
L-R: Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Photo: MTI/Miniszterelnöki Sajtóiroda/Fischer Zoltán
The Israeli president arrived shortly after the visit of the country’s foreign minister, Gideon Saar, to Hungary. Furthermore, Prime Minister Orbán also invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Hungary last November.
Via Magyar Nemzet, MTI, Featured photo via MTI/Bruzák Noémi