Péter Szijjártó, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said it is "shocking" that while nearly the entire world is seeking an urgent end to the war in Ukraine, certain European politicians are acting against those efforts.
At a press conference with Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar, in Islamabad on Thursday, Minister Szijjártó said the two countries mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties this year. Hungary and Pakistan are working to build closer bilateral ties, Minister Szijjártó said, adding that they will sign an agreement later in the day to lift visa requirements for holders of diplomatic passports.
"We both do believe in the importance of dialogue," Minister Szijjártó said. "We also believe that mutual respect should serve as the basis of international politics. We believe that [passing] judgement, lecturing each other, cornering or criticising each other -- which became the basis of international politics in recent years -- have led to serious problems in global politics."
He said the two countries were in agreement that international politics should once again be based on the respect of sovereignty instead of countries interfering in each other's domestic affairs. "Instead of dividing the world into blocs again, we should promote connectivity," Minister Szijjártó added.
The two ministers signed an agreement on cultural cooperation with special regard to archaeology. Both countries are proud of their rich historical and cultural heritage, while both have "made significant sacrifices for independence and sovereignty", Minister Szijjártó said.
Despite international efforts, "there is a big threat of terrorism from Afghanistan," and it raises the risk of further waves of illegal migration towards Europe, Minister Szijjártó said, highlighting Pakistan's efforts against terrorism. Both Pakistan and Hungary were "proud members of the global peace camp", he added.
"It's shocking to see that some European politicians are trying to undermine the success of the peace negotiations in Ukraine," he said. "It's shocking to see European politicians deciding in favor of the prolongation of the war in Ukraine; it's shocking to see that while the entire world, including the Americas, Asia, and Africa, are in favor of peace returning to Europe, it is the European politicians going against it."
"This is unacceptable. Therefore, we call on all European politicians not to undermine the peace efforts of President Trump when it comes to bringing peace back," he said.
The EU needs reliable partners such as Pakistan, Minister Szijjártó said, and voiced support for expanding the GSP+ system to ensure "a special tariff-free regime of trade" between partners after 2027.
"This is a mutual interest of both of us. Unfortunately, the European Union has isolated itself ... [but] I hope that it is not going to last forever," the minister said.
Concerning bilateral ties, Minister Szijjártó welcomed that trade turnover has doubled this year, adding that several Hungarian companies have completed successful projects in Pakistan.
Minister Szijjártó also noted 16 humanitarian programmes the Hungarian government has completed to help Christian communities in Pakistan, and said that Hungary offers 400 scholarships to Pakistani students to study at Hungarian universities each year.