Ukraine, Hungary foreign ministers agree to launch work of three intergovernmental groups

 “I had a very intensive dialogue with my Hungarian colleague, the goal of which is to ensure rich, dynamic, and effective cooperation between Ukraine and Hungary. Today's meeting is also effective. We have reached several agreements, and now we will work together to successfully hold meetings of three intergovernmental groups: on national minorities, education, and cross-border cooperation, within which the construction of new entry-exit checkpoints on the border is discussed," Kuleba said at a briefing in the Zakarpattia Regional State Administration after the meeting with Szijjártó, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

As noted, the foreign ministers also agreed to hold a business forum of Ukrainian and Hungarian companies and discussed the development of tourism in Zakarpattia region.

"To sum up, we want more trade, interpersonal, infrastructural, and political contacts between Hungary and Ukraine," minister Kuleba said.

In turn, Péter Szijjártó noted that the countries needed to take several important steps to channel the Ukraine-Hungary relations in the right direction.

“Clearly, the current situation is not good for Hungary, Ukraine, or Hungarians living in Zakarpattia region. To solve our problems, we need to take many small steps. For our part, we will continue to help the Hungarians of Zakarpattia region. Over the past six years, Hungary has invested 90 billion forints in the development of Zakarpattia. We recognize the territorial integrity of Ukraine, support gas supplies to Ukraine, provide transit for citizens travelling to Europe. I support the opinion of my colleague that Zakarpattia should be made a common heritage of Ukraine and Hungary,” the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary said.

Szijjártó also noted that the Hungarians expected great results from the work of the three intergovernmental groups mentioned by Ukrainian minister Kuleba.

Today, September 23, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Péter Szijjártó make a joint visit to Zakarpattia region, western Ukraine.

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