Hungary expects Ukraine to restore rights of its Hungarian minority: Foreign minister

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Hungary's foreign minister said Monday that Budapest expects Kyiv to restore the rights of its Hungarian minority.

"Hungary expects Kyiv to restore the rights of its Hungarian minority, especially in education, culture, and administration," Peter Szijjarto said after hosting Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha‎ in the capital Budapest.

"After four and a half years, we can greet the Ukrainian foreign minister again in Budapest," said Szijjarto.

Szijjarto reiterated Hungary’s pro-peace stance and confirmed that Hungary will continue its largest-ever humanitarian effort, having already supported over 1.4 million Ukrainian refugees and contributed to rebuilding efforts.

On energy and further improvement of relations, Szijjarto said that Ukraine supplies Hungary with over 3 billion cubic meters of gas, and Hungary provides 45% of Ukraine’s electricity, "with border infrastructure and trade projects set to expand further."

Sybiha, for his part, said on X that the two discussed in detail a wide bilateral and international agenda.

"We are committed to developing pragmatic and predictable good-neighborly relations," he said.

In an earlier statement, the ministry said Sybiha will hold talks with Szijjarto on multiple topics, including bilateral ties and Kyiv’s accession to the EU and NATO.

The statement further said that Sybiha’s visit to Hungary is a continuation of his first regional tour since replacing Dmytro Kuleba as Ukraine’s foreign minister earlier this month.

The purpose of the tour is to establish a “pragmatic and predictable good neighborly policy and progress towards the strategic goal of Ukraine's membership in the EU and NATO.”

On Sept. 18-19, Sybiha paid a visit to Romania, Slovakia, and Moldova.