Pakistan, Hungary sign accord for visa exemption to diplomats

Pakistan and Hungary have agreed to enhance their cooperation across various fields and strengthen collaboration at multilateral forums, including the United Nations and have also signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic passports, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The development came as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Hungary's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó held detailed talks and addressed a joint presser in Islamabad on Thursday.

Later addressing the joint news conference, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said both the sides have a common interest in cooperating in areas such as agriculture, energy, healthcare, Information Technology and Industrial manufacturing, emphasizing there is a vast scope to enhance bilateral cooperation.

The Deputy Prime Minister said Hungary remains a steadfast and trusted friend and a greater partner to Pakistan. He said these ties are rooted in mutual understanding and shared aspirations for peace, security and development.

Reaffirming the commitment to further strengthen this relationship, Ishaq Dar commended Hungary's contributions to Pakistan's development. He was confident that this partnership will continue to ascend guided by mutual commitment to peace, progress and multilateral cooperation.

The Deputy Prime Minister said that he apprised the Hungarian Foreign Minister on regional matters including Pakistan's principled position on Jammu and Kashmir dispute, advocating for its resolution in line with UN Security Council resolutions.

He also mentioned Pakistan's steadfast support for Palestinians' right to self-determination and a two-state solution.

In his remarks, the Hungarian Foreign Minister once again voiced support for extension of GSP Plus status for Pakistan beyond 2027. He said the EU considers Pakistan as a reliable partner and the GSP Plus status for Pakistan is in the mutual interest of the both sides.  

Referring to the MOUs signed on cooperation in archaeology and culture, the Hungarian Foreign Minister said that both countries have rich histories and cultural heritage, which they consider a source of strength.

Recognizing the threat posed by terrorists, based in Afghanistan, the Hungarian Foreign Minister appreciated the efforts of Pakistan against terrorism saying these efforts contribute seriously to global security and the security of Europe as well.

The Hungarian Foreign Minister expressed satisfaction over the doubling of trade between the two countries saying that Hungry considers Pakistan as a reliable partner.  He mentioned that the Hungarian companies have successfully completed food security and water management projects in Pakistan. He said we are also offering four hundred scholarships to Pakistani students every year.

The Hungarian Foreign Minister said a delegation comprising seventeen business leaders and companies are also accompanying him during the visit. He said we have discussed promoting our bilateral relations through expanding cooperation in education, agriculture, food security, medical science, water management and energy sectors. 

Earlier, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Hungarian Foreign Minister signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic passports. Two Memorandums of Understanding were also signed for cooperation in culture and archaeology sectors.

Hungary supports GSP+ extension for Pakistan

Péter Szijjártó has expressed his country's strong desire to broaden cooperation with Pakistan across various sectors including economy and trade.

He was addressing Pakistan-Hungary Business forum in Islamabad on Thursday.

The Hungarian foreign minister expressed the confidence that B2B meetings between the two sides today will prove successful.

He said the two countries are preparing to sign an agreement on mutual protection of investment. In addition, he said they are also about to sign an agreement on aviation to establish direct air connections between the two countries.

The Hungarian Foreign Minister also voiced support for Pakistan to remain part of the GSP plus beyond 2027.

In his remarks, Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan expressed the confidence that B2B engagements would lead to meaningful partnerships and long-term ventures between Pakistan and Hungary.

He mentioned Pakistan has made significant strides in improving its trade and investment environment. He said various regulatory and policy reforms are being undertaken to improve ease of doing business, attract foreign investment and create a robust infrastructure that supports sustainable development.

Jam Kamal said a national tariff policy is being formulated with special focus on tariff rationalization to promote and encourage business in Pakistan. 

He said efforts are also underway to develop e-commerce and boost digital economy.

The Minister for Commerce said Pakistan offers a promising destination for foreign investors. He said we acknowledge the value of Hungary's technological expertise, innovation and industrial capacity.  He said this provides a fertile ground for mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

Earlier, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Peter Szijjarto arrived in Islamabad on a day-long visit to Pakistan on Thursday.

At the airport, he was received by the Additional Secretary Europe Muhammad Ayyub, Ambassador of Hungary and other senior officials.