Ukraine, Hungary begin expert-level consultations — FM Sybiha
Ukraine and Hungary on Wednesday, May 20, launched consultations at the expert level involving Foreign Ministers Andrii Sybiha and Anita Orbán, as well as Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration Taras Kachka.
The head of Ukrainian diplomacy announced this on X, according to Ukrinform.
"This morning, Anita Orbán and I kicked off the Hungarian-Ukrainian expert-level consultations, together with Taras Kachka," the minister wrote.
Sybiha said that in his opening remarks he focused on three key issues: bilateral relations, minority rights, and Ukraine's accession to the European Union.
"We are united in our will to solve problems and overcome challenges. First, Ukraine wants to open a new, mutually beneficial chapter in our bilateral relations based on trust. We are in a momentum to achieve this," the minister emphasized.
Second, Ukraine takes minority rights seriously and remains committed to ensuring them in line with European standards, Sybiha assured.
"We understand that this issue has a fundamental importance," he added.
"And third, I proposed to view Ukraine's EU accession as a strategic interest for Hungary, the opportunity to strengthen Hungarian national unity, and the best way to ensure the Hungarian minority's rights. I emphasised that it is time to build a solid foundation to open the first EU negotiation cluster this May, and five more in June," the foreign minister said.
According to Sybiha, he and his Hungarian counterpart share a common goal — to seize this moment and achieve concrete results.
"I hope that today's consultations will be constructive and demonstrate that Ukraine and Hungary are ready to move past the challenges of the past and shape our common future," the minister noted.
As Ukrinform previously reported, Volodymyr Zelensky updated foreign policy objectives for Ukraine's diplomatic corps for May and June. Among them are resetting relations with Hungary and Georgia, opening EU negotiation clusters, and involving Europe in peace negotiations.