ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Hungary on Thursday agreed to mutually lift visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports, in a move aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and facilitating official engagement between the two countries.
Hungarian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó was on a one-day visit to Pakistan at the invitation of Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. He is accompanied by a high-level business delegation to explore business opportunities in Pakistan.
Addressing a joint press conference in Islamabad with Ishaq Dar, Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó said, “We are happy that we were able to sign the agreement to the visa requirement for diplomatic passport-holders. We have done it because we want our relationship to be even more intensified.”
On Thursday, Dar and Szijjártó exchanged views on strengthening bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Hungary in trade, energy, agriculture, science, culture, and education.
The two ministers held a constructive one-on-one meeting, followed by delegation-level talks comprehensively covering the wide agenda.
The two sides acknowledged the remarkable progress in bilateral relations and exchanged views on key regional and global developments. Both ministers agreed to enhance collaboration between their countries in multilateral forums.
During the visit, three agreements/MoUs were also signed, covering a cultural exchange programme for 2025–2027, cooperation in archaeology and heritage, and visa exemption for holders of diplomatic passports.
During the joint press conference, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said both countries have a common interest in cooperating in areas such as agriculture, energy, healthcare, Information Technology, and Industrial manufacturing, emphasising there is a vast scope to enhance bilateral cooperation.
He added that Hungary remains a steadfast and trusted friend and a greater partner to Pakistan. He said that these ties are rooted in mutual understanding and shared aspirations for peace, security, and development.
Reaffirming the commitment to further strengthen this relationship, Ishaq Dar lauded Hungary’s contributions to Pakistan’s development. He was confident that this partnership would continue to strengthen in the future.
He briefed the Hungarian Foreign Minister on regional issues, highlighting Pakistan’s principled stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and its call for a resolution in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the pursuit of a two-state solution.
In response, the Hungarian Foreign Minister reiterated his support for the extension of Pakistan’s GSP Plus status beyond 2027. He noted that the European Union views Pakistan as a reliable partner and emphasised that maintaining the GSP Plus status serves the mutual interests of both sides.
Acknowledging the threat posed by terrorists operating from Afghanistan, the Hungarian Foreign Minister commended Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism, noting that these contributions play a significant role in enhancing global and European security.
He expressed satisfaction over the doubling of bilateral trade, stating that Hungary views Pakistan as a trustworthy partner. He highlighted the successful completion of food security and water management projects in Pakistan by Hungarian companies and added that Hungary offers 400 scholarships annually to Pakistani students as part of its commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties.
Referring to the MOUs signed on cooperation in archaeology and culture, the Hungarian Foreign Minister said that both countries have rich histories and cultural heritage, which they consider a source of strength.
Earlier, Péter Szijjártó, arrived in Islamabad with a high-level delegation to explore business opportunities in the country, Pakistan’s foreign office said. Szijjártó is visiting Pakistan at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.
This is Szijjártó’s second visit to Pakistan, aimed at lending positive impetus to enhanced bilateral cooperation and mutually rewarding economic partnership.
Pakistan enjoys cordial relations with Hungary, and this year, Islamabad will mark 60 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations with the country.
