New Delhi, May 27 (UNI) Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, who is visiting India, on Friday held talks with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during which the two sides discussed the Ukraine conflict and its knock-on effects, even as Hungary has been seeing a flood of Ukrainian refugees enter the country and is also striving to keep fuel prices down.
EAM Jaishankar also thanked the Hungarian foreign minister for Budapest’s help during Operation Ganga, for the evacuation of Indian students from Ukraine.
The Hungarian Foreign Minister also participated in the inauguration of an India-Hungary Business Forum.
In tweets, the EAM said:
“A warm and insightful discussion with FM Péter Szijjártó of Hungary today.
“Appreciated Hungarian support for Operation Ganga and discussed admission of Indian medical students in Hungary.
“Recalled Hungary’s early recognition of Covaxin and openness to travel arrangements.
“Reviewed further cooperation in S&T, education and cultural relations. Happy to note growing ties between our businesses.
Welcomed Hungary as the newest member of the International Solar Alliance.
“Valued the assessment of the Ukraine conflict and its knock-on effects in different domains. Also acknowledged Hungary’s steadfast commitment to an expanded Indian engagement with the European Union. Agreed to strengthen our longstanding cooperation in multilateral forum.”
Earlier, Minister of State for External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi in a tweet said:
“Great pleasure to inaugurate India-Hungary Business Forum with HE Mr. Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Trade of Hungary. Our bilateral trade has seen rapid growth in recent years. This event is a step in realising our full potential in trade & investment & expanding our ties.”
On Tuesday, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced a "state of emergency" to enable his country to take quick decisions in response to security and economic threats posed by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
India had been in regular contact with Hungary for the evacuation of its nationals, mostly students, from Ukraine after the conflict broke out on February 24 this year.
UNI RN