GSP+ in mutual interest, says Hungary backing EU extension for Pakistan
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Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó sign agreements of cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad on Thursday. — APP
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ISLAMABAD: Supporting Pakistan’s GSP+ trade status with the European Union, Hungary supported deep relations with Pakistan in diplomacy, culture and heritage, confirming support for peace and multilateral.
Bilateral relations were discussed during a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szgjeejee, who had arrived in Islamabad on an official visit.
The two leaders also led their delegation in official talks, after signing a cooperation agreement in various fields.
Addressing a joint press stackout after the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Dar said that Pakistan and Hungary also tried to deepen cooperation in agriculture, health care, information technology, and industrial manufacturing, citing extensive capabilities.
The two countries are on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year, he said. It is a partnership that flourished in the political, economic, scientific and cultural fields.
Friends and partners who rely on Pakistan and Hungary, who are connected to the shared desires of peace and development, said that the two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation and tackle regional and global challenges.
DPM Dar confirmed his commitment to strengthen relations under Hungary’s “Eastern Opening Policy”, prepared under Prime Minister Victor and Bin, which he said is closely associated with Pakistan’s vision.
Appreciating Hungary’s contribution to Hungary’s development and the successful work of the Hungarian MOL group in the country, he said that the third Joint Commission recently reinforced plans to exploit Hungary’s expertise in agriculture, water management and other areas.
He added that the business forum held earlier this day exhibited these opportunities, as the Minister was with 17 traders from diverse sectors along with Suzette.
Dar expressed his continued support for the GSP+ scheme Hungary and said that the MOS and contracts signed during the visit will give cultural relations a new pace.
He said that the two countries have signed an agreement to eliminate visa needs for diplomatic passport holders, which has deepened the government and the public’s contacts with the government.
The Deputy Prime Minister told the media that during the meeting, he reaffirmed his support for the Palestinian purpose on the basis of Pakistan’s principle stand on Jammu and Kashmir and the solution of the two states.
He also briefed the Hungarian delegation about the situation in Afghanistan and related security challenges.
The two sides identified the importance of a peaceful solution to the dispute in Ukraine and the importance of constructive dialogue.
In his remarks, Hungarian Minister of Hungarian Peter Sussein Security welcomed the signing of a visa exemption agreement and expressed his desire to accelerate Hungary’s bilateral relations.
He emphasized that mutual respect should promote international politics, and this decisive, critical attitude has given rise to challenges in global affairs, adding that international politics should promote contact rather than divide the world into blocks.
Referring to cultural cooperation agreements, he noted that the two countries have a great history and cultural heritage, which works as a source of power.
Appreciating Pakistan’s efforts in the fight against terrorism, he acknowledged the security challenges facing the region, especially about Afghanistan, which includes terrorism and illegal migration.
He confirmed the GSP+ program as Hungary’s support for expansion in Pakistan, and termed it a mutual interest.
He also highlighted recent achievements in economic cooperation, including doubling trade volume.
He informed the media that Hungary has performed 16 humanitarian programs for Christian communities in Pakistan and has offered 400 scholarships annually to Pakistani students.
Calling it the most common story of success, he cited Hungary Company Mulle’s investment in Pakistan in Pakistan over the past 25 years, which he said, adding that Pakistan’s energy safety and Hungary’s economic interests have increased.
In response to a question, he said that Hungary could offer food safety, water management, and cooperation in medical technologies.
According to another question, Deputy Prime Minister Dar highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to engage with Afghanistan, including the appointment of a special envoy. He also announced a visit to Kabul in the coming days.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Hungary’s Foreign and Trade Minister Peter Seizzorte signed the MOS and the Culture Sectors (2025–27), Archeology and Cultural Cooperation Agreement, and Mutual Visa for those with diplomatic passports.
