Hungary seeks a cooperation agreement with Ukraine, seeks economic cooperation

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban declared on Tuesday in Kyiv that Hungary wants to sign a broad cooperation agreement with Ukraine and believes that a ceasefire by Ukraine in the war with Russia could expedite peace negotiations. He did not rule out his country participating in the "modernization" of Ukraine's economy.

During a press conference following talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Orban expressed his belief that the pace of peace talks could significantly accelerate if there was a halt in frontline fighting.

"I expressed my belief that President Zelensky's peace initiatives might take a long time due to the complex rules of international diplomacy. Therefore, I suggested to the president that he consider an alternative strategy: a ceasefire, followed by negotiations with Russia. I believe such a step could significantly speed up the talks," said Orban, quoted by the portal European Truth.

The Hungarian prime minister desired to improve relations between the two countries. "We want to build strong relations between our countries, and we want to sign a comprehensive cooperation agreement with Ukraine, similar to agreements we have with other neighbouring countries," said Orban.

The Hungarian prime minister also declared that his country is ready to support the modernization of the Ukrainian economy and intends to help Ukraine during its presidency of the EU Council. "I wish Ukraine all the best, and I assure you that during our presidency, we will do everything in our power to support you," emphasized Orban.

President Zelensky, in turn, expressed the belief that dialogue with Orban could become the basis for a future document regulating relations between Kyiv and Budapest.

"I believe that the content of our talks on various topics could become the basis for a future bilateral document between our countries. This document will regulate all aspects of our relations and allow our nations to enjoy all the benefits of unity in Europe," said Zelensky.

The Ukrainian president informed that he discussed many issues with Orban, including trade, cross-border cooperation, infrastructure, and energy. Zelensky emphasized that they discussed everything that concerns the lives of citizens in both countries, both in Ukraine and in Hungary.

They even touched on the issue of opening a Ukrainian school in Hungary, which would be the first such instance. Zelensky added that the Hungarian prime minister assured him of his support for this project.

The head of the Hungarian government assumed the presidency of the EU Council from Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo on Monday in Brussels. The Hungarian presidency will last until the end of the year when Poland will take over.

The Hungarian presidency's priorities include supporting the European defense industry and joint public procurement in defense, developing external partnerships to counteract illegal immigration, and a strategic debate on the future of cohesion policy.

Hungary has long been criticized for its close ties with Russia and for blocking Western aid to Ukraine. Additionally, Orban's government maintains close political and economic relations with China, which is viewed as the only true ally of the Middle Kingdom in the entire EU.

One issue in Hungary's relations with Ukraine is the approximately 100,000-strong Hungarian minority in Ukraine's Zakarpattia region.

Budapest demands that Kyiv restore the provisions before 2017, before the enactment of the educational law, which, according to Orban's government, negatively impacts the Hungarian minority. In 2012, the Hungarian language also lost its status as a regional language in Zakarpattia.