Magyar after meeting with Zelenskyy: Countries have put relations on new footing

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar has stated that it is in the interests of both countries to put political and economic relations on a new footing following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

He welcomed the conclusion of a political agreement between Hungary and Ukraine on strengthening the rights of the Hungarian minority in Zakarpattia.

Magyar noted on Facebook that they appreciate as a first step towards restoring mutual trust that the Verkhovna Rada (the Ukrainian parliament) passed the law on education for national minorities on the basis of this agreement and that the Ukrainian side immediately began its implementation.

He also expressed his gratitude for the Ukrainian parliament's September resolution, which recognised that crimes involving forced labour and mass deportations were committed against Zakarpattia Hungarians between 1944 and 1946.

Magyar stated that he had agreed with the Ukrainian president that they would continue consultations between the two countries at the ministerial level and pay special attention to further improving the situation of minorities living in their countries. He stressed that they had agreed that it is in the interests of both countries to put political and economic relations on a new footing.

He added that he had assured Zelenskyy of his full solidarity in the face of the inhuman Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Magyar pointed out that Hungary is ready to provide assistance through all possible diplomatic means to achieve a ceasefire as soon as possible and establish a lasting peace.

It was previously reported that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had held his first official meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar.

According to one source, the one-on-one conversation lasted about 30 minutes, which significantly exceeded the plans announced by Hungary.

Zelenskyy and Magyar met after the Verkhovna Rada (the Ukrainian parliament) approved amendments to the law on education on Monday 12 October. These changes were necessary for Hungary to agree to the opening of clusters 2 and 3 in the negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU.

The following day, the EU opened negotiations with Ukraine on the two clusters after Hungary lifted its objections.