Islamabad: Pakistan and Hungary have agreed to enhance their cooperation across various fields and strengthen collaboration at multilateral forums, including the United Nations.
The understanding to this effect reached at a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Hungary's Foreign Minister P©ter Szijj¡rt³ in Islamabad on Thursday.
Later addressing a joint news conference, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said both the sides have a common interest in cooperating in areas such as agriculture, energy, healthcare, Information Technology and Industrial manufacturing, emphasizing there is a vast scope to enhance bilateral cooperation.
The Deputy Prime Minister said Hungary remains a steadfast and trusted friend and a greater partner to Pakistan. He said 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 commended Hungary's contributions to Pakistan's development. He was confident that this partnership will continue to ascend guided by mutual commitment to peace, progress and multilateral cooperation.
The Deputy Prime Minister said that he apprised the Hungarian Foreign Minister on regional matters including Pakistan's principled position on Jammu and Kashmir dispute, advocating for its resolution in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
He also mentioned Pakistan's steadfast support for Palestinians' right to self-determination and a two state solution.
In his remarks, the Hungarian Foreign Minister once again voiced support for extension of GSP Plus status for Pakistan beyond 2027. He said the EU considers Pakistan as a reliable partner and the GSP Plus status for Pakistan is in the mutual interest of the both sides.
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.
Recognizing the threat posed by terrorists, based in Afghanistan, the Hungarian Foreign Minister appreciated the efforts of Pakistan against terrorism saying these efforts contribute seriously to global security and the security of Europe as well.
The Hungarian Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction over the doubling of trade between the two countries saying that Hungry considers Pakistan as a reliable partner. He mentioned that the Hungarian companies have successfully completed food security and water management projects in Pakistan. He said we are also offering four hundred scholarships to Pakistani students every year.
The Hungarian Foreign Minister said a delegation comprising seventeen business leaders and companies are also accompanying him during the visit. He said we have discussed promoting our bilateral relations through expanding cooperation in education, agriculture, food security, medical science, water management and energy sectors.
Earlier, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Hungarian Foreign Minister signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic passports. Two Memorandums of Understanding were also signed for cooperation in culture and archaeology sectors.
Meanwhile the Foreign Office has issued the joint declaration at the end of the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary to Islamabad.
According to the joint declaration, at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, P©ter Szijj¡rt³, paid an official visit to Pakistan on 17 April 2025.
Accompanied by a high-level business delegation, Minister Szijj¡rt³'s visit - his second to Pakistan - underscored the enduring and robust partnership between the two nations.
In addition to their private meeting, the two Ministers held delegation-level talks. During the discussions, both sides emphasised the importance of enhancing collaboration in key sectors, including trade and investment, energy security, agricultural development, scientific research, cultural exchange, and education.
They also addressed pressing regional and global issues of mutual concern, agreeing to deepen cooperation at multilateral fora, including the United Nations, to advance shared objectives of peace, security, and sustainable development.
During the visit, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and an Agreement were signed in the areas of Culture (2025-2027), Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, and the Abolition of Visas for Diplomatic Passport holders.
In other high-level engagements, Foreign Minister Szijj¡rt³ called on the Prime Minister and met with the Minister of Commerce. Together with the Commerce Minister, he inaugurated the Pakistan-Hungary Business Forum, which was followed by a productive B2B event, creating significant opportunities for mutual collaboration. The strong participation from both countries' private sectors reflected a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral economic ties.
The visit coincided with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Hungary. The successful visit reaffirmed the growing momentum in bilateral ties and laid a solid foundation for expanded cooperation in the years ahead.