FM Kuleba hopes for renewal of dialogue with Hungary on all issues

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba believes that the episode of Hungary's interference in the Ukrainian elections should be left in the past and the two countries should return to a substantive conversation on all issues on bilateral agenda.

"I think we should leave this episode of interference in Ukraine’s electoral process in the past. Hungary took a step, we took a step in response. We acted harshly because it is a matter of principle. I hope that this episode will be left in the past, emotions will subside, and we and Hungarian partners will return to a substantive conversation on all issues on the agenda," Kuleba said at online briefing on Thursday, November 5, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The minister reiterated that he advocated for "constructive and positive nature" of relations with Ukraine's international partners.

"However, if a partner crosses the red line, it will immediately receive a very strong blow from us which will push it back behind the red line," the diplomat warned.

As reported, on the day of Ukraine’s local elections on October 25, Ukraine-Hungary relations deteriorated due to the urge of Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó to the Hungarians of Zakarpattia region to support one of the Hungarian parties and the incumbent mayor of Berehove town. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine regarded this as interference in the internal affairs of Ukraine, handed a note over to the Ambassador of Hungary and banned two high-ranking Hungarian officials from entering into the territory of Ukraine.

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