Hungary Pledges Support for Pakistan’s GSP+ Status and Enhanced Bilateral Ties

Hungary has affirmed its commitment to Pakistan’s GSP+ status and has consented to broaden collaboration across various vital sectors. The two nations will also fortify their partnership within multilateral platforms, notably the United Nations (UN).

This agreement was formalized during a meeting in Islamabad between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó.

During a joint press briefing, Dar highlighted shared interests in key areas such as agriculture, energy, healthcare, information technology, and industrial manufacturing. He emphasized the substantial opportunities for enhancing bilateral relations.

Dar characterized Hungary as a dependable ally, emphasizing that the connection is built upon mutual understanding and shared aspirations for global peace, security, and advancement.

The Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged Hungary’s contributions to Pakistan’s progress and expressed optimism about the continued positive momentum in bilateral relations.

Dar also informed Szijjártó about regional issues, including Pakistan’s stance on the Jammu and Kashmir matter, advocating for its resolution in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

Furthermore, he reaffirmed Pakistan’s backing for a two-state solution and the right of Palestinians to self-determination.

Szijjártó voiced his support for extending Pakistan’s GSP Plus status beyond 2027, recognizing it as a shared advantage for both Pakistan and the European Union.

He noted that Hungarian enterprises have successfully executed food security and water management projects in Pakistan and underscored the increasing trade volume between the two nations.

Additionally, he announced 400 scholarships annually for Pakistani students and mentioned that a delegation of 17 Hungarian business representatives accompanied him to explore potential partnerships in education, agriculture, medical science, water management, and energy.

Addressing security concerns, the Hungarian Foreign Minister lauded Pakistan’s initiatives in countering terrorism, particularly against groups based in Afghanistan, acknowledging their positive impact on regional and European security.

Earlier, both countries inked an agreement for mutual visa exemptions for diplomatic passport holders, alongside two memoranda of understanding focusing on cooperation in cultural and archaeological domains.