Zelenskyy and Hungary’s Magyar agree to exchange visits after Brussels meeting

On October 16, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar in Brussels. They discussed improving bilateral relations, Ukraine's progress towards joining the European Union, and efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to Magyar for enabling the opening of two additional negotiating clusters in Ukraine's EU accession talks, with hopes of completing the remaining clusters by year-end.

They also explored possibilities for increased cooperation and trade between Ukraine and Hungary, particularly in agriculture. The two leaders agreed to resume joint efforts at various levels and exchange visits. Zelenskyy and Magyar held their first meeting during the EU summit on October 16. Magyar reaffirmed his solidarity with Ukraine in the face of Russia's ongoing aggression, pledging Hungarian diplomatic support for achieving a ceasefire and lasting peace.

He praised Ukraine's recent adoption of a law on education for national minorities and its immediate implementation, calling it a crucial step toward rebuilding mutual trust. Hungary had previously obstructed the opening of new negotiating clusters, demanding that Ukraine pass the minority education law. Hungary lifted its veto on the second and third clusters on October 7, following Ukraine's passage and signing of the minority education law on October 12.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orban welcomed the law as the result of months of constructive dialogue between Kyiv and Budapest.