Sybiha on Zelenskyy-Magyar meeting: Today we truly turned new page, fresh start on all fronts

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha hailed the meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Hungarian Prime Minister Pétér Magyar as a landmark event, marking a new chapter in their bilateral relations. The foreign minister attributed the historic dialogue to months of diplomatic efforts aimed at restoring ties between the two nations.

Two working groups on negotiations have been opened, with the agenda now encompassing a wide array of issues, including economic and trade cooperation, border infrastructure development, enhanced business ties, strengthened people-to-people connections, and intensified humanitarian collaboration. Sybiha emphasized that this normalization of relations would benefit both countries, paving the way for a prosperous future for Ukraine and the Hungarian minority residing within its borders.

The meeting between the two leaders was described as substantive and candid, with both parties expressing their commitment to mutually beneficial cooperation grounded in respect for national interests. Sybiha also highlighted the importance of restarting interparliamentary cooperation between Ukraine and Hungary's respective legislative bodies, noting recent meetings between the speakers of both parliaments.

The progress made during this rapprochement between Ukraine and Hungary is particularly relevant, occurring on the cusp of significant anniversaries: the 35th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two nations and the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Sybiha drew a parallel between this historical context and Ukraine's current struggle against Russian aggression, emphasizing the shared pursuit of a peaceful Europe.

President Zelenskyy previously praised his initial encounter with Prime Minister Magyar, describing it as "very good." During a subsequent press conference in Brussels, he underscored the importance of discussing various matters, such as relations, the economy, logistics, and the ongoing diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the Russian war. The two leaders also explored opportunities for collaboration in trade and agricultural sectors.