ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Hungary in Pakistan on Wednesday marked the 68th anniversary of the Hungarian National Day here in Islamabad.
Minister for Housing and Works, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada while speaking as a chief guest on the occasion said the day symbolizes the enduring courage and heroic struggle of the brave Hungarian people for freedom and independence in 1956, which shaped the course of Hungarian history.
He said Hungary is a country taking rightful pride in its rich history and culture, a nation cherishing its commitment towards democracy and freedom.
“We as a nation strongly believe in our democratic values and our commitment to a society respecting rights and participation of all citizens,” he said.
The minister said Pakistan and Hungary enjoy close friendly ties in the bilateral and multilateral spheres.
He said Pakistan o values cooperation with Hungary at multilateral forums, including within the framework of the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Organization (UNO).
“While commemorating our friendship, it is imperative that we move forward in the economic and commercial domain by creating B2B linkages and enhancing people-to-people contacts,” the minister said.
Ambassador of Hungary Bela Fazekas in his speech said, in early November 1956, two news items dominated the front pages of every leading newspaper around the world: the Soviet aggression against a small freedom-loving neighbour, and the Middle East crisis.
He said following the defeat of the Revolution, countries all over the world expressed their solidarity with Hungary. “We are grateful to Pakistan which not only supported but cosponsored the UN Resolution condemning the Soviet military invasion and the communist reprisal,” he said.
He said Hungary and Pakistan share a strong bond of cooperation. He noted ten years ago nobody in this country was even considering studying in Hungary. The ambassador said Hungary is among the top 10 destinations for Pakistani students wanting to study abroad.
He added Hungary provides 400 Fully Funded Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships for Pakistani Students every year.
The ambassador said the frequent political contacts, regular visits and meetings between our two countries provide a solid political basis for the enhancement of our multilevel cooperation.
He said the flagship of the Hungarian companies active in Pakistan is the MOL, which has 25 years of presence in this country. He added the MOL is one of the largest foreign investors in the oil and gas industry and the second-largest producer of oil in Pakistan.
“I would like to conclude by praising the long-standing friendship between the people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Hungary,” he said.
