Pakistan, Hungary sign cultural and diplomatic pacts, eye stronger bilateral ties

Pakistan and Hungary signed three key agreements Wednesday to strengthen cooperation in culture, heritage, and diplomacy.

The agreements include a Cultural Exchange Program (2025–2027), a memorandum of understanding on archaeology and heritage collaboration, and a visa exemption deal for holders of diplomatic passports.

Hungarian Foreign and Trade Minister Péter Szijjártó signed the agreements during his visit to Islamabad. He was received by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar at the Foreign Office.

The two ministers held one-on-one talks followed by wider delegation-level discussions. Their talks covered trade, energy, agriculture, education, science, and regional security.

Speaking at a joint press conference, Dar called Hungary a “valuable partner” in Pakistan’s industrial development. He credited the Hungarian MOL Group for employing over 100 Pakistani professionals in the energy sector.

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Dar also raised Pakistan’s concerns over cross-border threats from Afghanistan. He said Hungary expressed full understanding and supported Pakistan’s efforts to maintain regional peace.

Minister Szijjártó praised Pakistan’s role in regional stability. “Hungary stands with Islamabad in its pursuit of peace in Afghanistan and beyond,” he said.

He said both countries faced similar geopolitical pressures and called for stronger cooperation. On the Russia-Ukraine war, Szijjártó said Hungary and Pakistan both wanted peace, while criticizing elements in Europe, he claimed, were blocking efforts to end the conflict.

To deepen people-to-people ties, Szijjártó announced 400 fully funded scholarships for Pakistani students. He said Hungary had already received nearly 1,700 applications.

This was the Hungarian minister’s second visit to Pakistan. Dar called the relationship long-standing and mutually beneficial.