The government, in collaboration with charitable organizations continues to provide substantial aid.Continue reading
Hungary and Ukraine have a vested interest in developing neighborly relations, and the Hungarian government will do everything in its power to aid the process, but expects Ukraine to restore the rights of ethnic Hungarians, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó said in Budapest on Monday.
Speaking after talks with his recently appointed counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, Péter Szijjártó said at a joint press conference that it was an honor that Mr. Sybiha had chosen Hungary as his first foreign destination, “even if it fell through due to scheduling issues,” and congratulated him on his appointment.
Hungary will continue to promote peace as the only way “to end the suffering of hundreds of thousands or millions of people and families,” the Hungarian politician 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 stressed.
He confirmed to Mr. Sybiha that Hungary would continue “the largest humanitarian mission of its history” until it is needed to help people in difficulties. The number of refugees has now topped 1.4 million, and nearly 15,000 Ukrainian children have had the opportunity to attend summer camps in Hungary, he said. In addition, the government has already spent HUF 66 billion (EUR 166.4 million) on aid to Ukraine, and there are still hundreds of schools and kindergartens in Hungary where children from refugee families are studying, and even a bilingual school has opened in Budapest recently, he noted.
Hungary is ready to take part in the reconstruction of Ukraine; this is not just a cliche on our part. We are 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,”
Mr. Szijjártó said.
The Hungarian Foreign Minister 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, Minister Szijjártó said, noting the recently opened crossing between Nagyhódos and Valyka Palad’ (Nagypalád), adding that Hungary was ready to increase the capacity of the crossing at Beregsurány. The government has also supported the construction of a large logistical center in Fényeslitke, “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.
I met with my Hungarian counterpart Péter Szijjártó in Budapest. We discussed in detail a wide bilateral and international agenda, and the Peace Formula as the path to a just and lasting peace. We are committed to developing pragmatic and predictable good-neighbourly relations. pic.twitter.com/FvVy1o9pT8
— Andrii Sybiha (@andrii_sybiha) September 30, 2024
Regarding the contested issues between the two countries, Mr. 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.
The ministers have agreed to speed up the work of the working groups addressing Hungary’s 11-point proposal to resolve the situation.
Mr. Szijjártó asked his counterpart 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. “The meeting has convinced me that the intention to develop neighborly relations is mutual,” the Hungarian politician concluded.
Via MTI, Featured image: MTI/Hegedüs Róbert