Hungary’s EU Presidency, Security Issues, and the Bilateral Relations Agreement: Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Viktor Orbán in Kyiv

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Hungary Viktor Orbán in Kyiv. His visit took place immediately after the start of Hungary’s EU presidency.

“This is clear evidence of our common European priorities and the importance of returning a just peace to Ukraine and the whole of Europe, resolving the existing difficulties and providing new foundations for the strengthening of Europe, economic and social growth,” the President emphasized.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Hungary for supporting Ukrainians and providing humanitarian aid to our country. He also noted the country’s participation in the first Peace Summit and support for the final communiqué.

“We have discussed in detail how Hungary can demonstrate its leadership in the preparation of the second Peace Summit. We see the possibility of organizing the second Peace Summit already this year, and we would very much like this to happen. We can complete all the preparatory work for this in the coming months,” emphasized the Head of State.

The parties also discussed cooperation at the EU level and expectations from the Hungarian presidency.

Special attention was paid to the most fundamental topics of neighborly relations: trade, cross-border cooperation, infrastructure and energy issues. In particular, they agreed to open the first Ukrainian school in Hungary.

“Hungary will take on the funding of this school. As many Ukrainian schools will be opened as needed. It is important for us that Ukrainians feel at home in Hungary,” emphasized Viktor Orbán.

He also expressed hope for resolving issues concerning the Hungarian national minority and commended all the initiatives of the President of Ukraine aimed at achieving peace. The Prime Minister thanked Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his candid stance and assured him of Hungary’s support.

“I wish all the best to Ukraine, and during the Hungarian presidency we will help you in any way we can,” he said.

Viktor Orbán said the purpose of his visit was to resolve issues of bilateral relations. He emphasized Hungary’s willingness to improve them and sign a bilateral agreement in the future.

“The substance of our dialogue can become the basis for a new bilateral document between our countries that will regulate all our relations, based on a reciprocal approach to bilateral relations. Our teams will continue to work on the details of our common decisions,” the President of Ukraine summed up.