Ukraine and Hungary begin expert talks on EU integration and minority rights
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine and Hungary have begun bilateral expert-level talks. Main topics of discussion include improving neighborly relations, ensuring the rights of national minorities, and Ukraine's integration into the European Union, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha says.
As Sybiha reported, this morning, he, together with Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán and Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka, began Ukraine-Hungary expert-level consultations.
"In my opening remarks, I focused on three key issues: bilateral relations, minority rights, and Ukraine's EU accession. We are united in our will to solve problems and overcome challenges," the minister said.
He also noted that Ukraine seeks to open a new, mutually beneficial chapter in bilateral relations based on trust.
"We are in a momentum to achieve this. We appreciate Hungary's clear condemnation of recent Russian strikes, including those hitting Zakarpattya," Sybiha added.
He separately noted that Ukraine takes the rights of national minorities seriously and remains committed to ensuring them in line with European standards.
"We understand that this issue has fundamental importance," the foreign minister stressed.
He also proposed viewing Ukraine's accession to the European Union as a strategic interest for Hungary, an opportunity to strengthen Hungarian national unity, and the best way to guarantee the rights of the Hungarian minority.
Sybiha stressed that the time has come to lay a strong foundation for opening the first negotiation cluster on EU accession already this May, and five more in June.
"With my Hungarian counterpart, we share the same goal: to seize this momentum and deliver tangible results. I hope that today's consultations will be constructive and demonstrate that Ukraine and Hungary are ready to move past the challenges of the past and shape our common future," the minister added.
Ukraine-Hungary talks
Earlier, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha held talks with Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orbán and announced readiness to open a new chapter in relations between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced the start of technical talks with Ukraine on the protection of linguistic, educational, and cultural rights of the Hungarian community in Zakarpattia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said there are real chances to improve relations with Hungary. Foreign ministries of the two countries are preparing for bilateral consultations.
