Both Hungary and Ukraine are interested in strengthening neighbourly relations, Hungarian Foreign and Trade Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Monday.
In the speech at a joint press conference Szijjarto, after meeting his recently appointed Ukrainian counterpart Andriy Sybiha, reiterated Hungary's peaceful stance on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and stressed that a diplomatic solution is the only way to end the suffering of millions of people.
"Hungary supports all initiatives aimed at achieving peace as soon as possible." He added that Hungary continues to offer humanitarian aid and has taken in more than 1.4 million refugees from Ukraine since the start of the conflict.
Szijjarto also spoke about Hungary's involvement in Ukraine's post-war reconstruction and said that the country is ready to play a significant role in the reconstruction efforts. "We are not only talking, but we are already involved in rebuilding educational, health and administrative institutions," He said.
In terms of energy, Hungary has supplied more than three billion cubic metres of gas to Ukraine and is now the largest source of electricity imports to Ukraine. "In the summer, 45 percent of Ukraine's electricity imports came from or through Hungary," said the Hungarian minister.
Szijjarto praised the cooperation and said that the basis of relations between the two nations must be mutual respect and goodwill. "We respectfully expect that Ukraine will restore the rights of the Hungarian national community, especially with regard to access to their mother tongue," he said, confirming that Hungary had submitted a detailed proposal to Ukraine on the matter.
Sybiha spoke about the importance of strengthening Ukraine's relations with its western neighbours, especially Hungary. He outlined Ukraine's focus on securing peace and advancing the goals of joining the European Union (EU) and NATO, noting that the talks with Szijjart were conducted in a spirit of mutual respect and focused on key national interests.
Sybiha also invited Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to visit Kiev.
Sybiha expressed gratitude for Hungary's support in maintaining Ukraine's territorial integrity in the midst of the conflict, as well as for its humanitarian assistance.
He praised Hungarian assistance in training military doctors, demining and the establishment of a bilingual school aimed at preserving Ukrainian identity in Hungary, which he visited during his trip.
Sybiha also thanked Hungary for its participation in international peace efforts and expressed his hope for its continued support, especially during the Hungarian EU Presidency.
Xinhua/gnews - RoZ
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