Pakistan and Hungary have mutually agreed to lift visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports, as announced during the Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó’s visit to Islamabad on Thursday.
According to the Foreign Office (FO), Minister Szijjártó was in Pakistan for a one-day official visit at the invitation of Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. He was accompanied by a high-level business delegation exploring investment and trade opportunities in Pakistan.
Speaking at a joint press conference alongside Dar, Szijjártó said, “We are pleased to have signed an agreement removing visa requirements for diplomatic passport holders, which reflects our commitment to deepening bilateral relations.”
State broadcaster Radio Pakistan confirmed the mutual visa exemption and reported the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for cooperation in culture and archaeology.
Both countries also agreed to enhance collaboration across various sectors and to strengthen their coordination at multilateral platforms such as the United Nations.
Szijjártó expressed satisfaction with the recent doubling of bilateral trade and highlighted Hungarian contributions to food security and water management projects in Pakistan. He also noted that Hungary currently offers 400 scholarships annually to Pakistani students.
Emphasizing the historical ties between the two nations, Szijjártó remarked that both countries have “rich histories” and have made “significant sacrifices for independence and sovereignty.” He described Pakistan as a “reliable partner” and voiced Hungary’s support for the extension of Pakistan’s GSP+ (Generalised System of Preferences Plus) trade status beyond 2027.
In a post on X following the meeting, Szijjártó thanked Dar for his hospitality and acknowledged the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. He emphasized that the agreements signed were grounded in “mutual respect, sovereignty, and a shared belief in dialogue over interference in international affairs.”
Dar echoed these sentiments during the press conference, stating that both sides see mutual benefits in expanding cooperation in agriculture, energy, health, IT, and industrial manufacturing.
According to Radio Pakistan, the deputy prime minister also briefed the Hungarian minister on regional issues, including Pakistan’s stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, reaffirming Islamabad’s support for its resolution based on United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Hungary Commends Pakistan’s Counterterrorism Efforts
Szijjártó also praised Pakistan’s efforts in combating terrorism and maintaining regional stability, particularly in light of security challenges originating from Afghanistan.
“There remains a significant threat of terrorism from Afghanistan, which could trigger further illegal migration toward Europe,” he noted. “Hungary greatly values Pakistan’s efforts, which contribute not only to regional but also to European and global security.”
On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, now in its third year, Szijjártó criticized some European politicians for undermining peace efforts and called on nations to support diplomatic initiatives, including those led by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
He underscored the importance of mutual respect and dialogue in international relations, saying, “The trend of lecturing, isolating, and criticizing others in global politics has led to major issues. We believe in connectivity, not in dividing the world into opposing blocs.”
Pakistan-Hungary Business Forum Highlights Economic Cooperation
Earlier in the day, Szijjártó was welcomed in Islamabad by Additional Secretary Europe Muhammad Ayyub, the Hungarian ambassador, and other senior officials, as per the FO.
He attended the Pakistan-Hungary Business Forum, where he expressed Hungary’s keen interest in expanding economic and trade ties with Pakistan. He voiced optimism that the B2B meetings held would lead to productive partnerships.
Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan also addressed the forum, expressing confidence in long-term business ventures between the two countries and acknowledging Hungary’s advanced technological capabilities and industrial strengths.
In a statement issued on the eve of the visit, the Foreign Office emphasized that strengthening cooperation in trade, energy, investment, and the economy remains a key priority for both governments.
“Pakistan places great value on its relationship with Hungary, which has been bolstered through regular high-level engagements and shared perspectives on international and regional matters,” it said.
The FO also highlighted that 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, with Hungarian oil and gas company MOL’s successful presence in Pakistan since 1999 standing out as a significant milestone in their partnership.
