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Pakistan, Hungary Sign Visa Deal for Diplomats, Eye Deeper Ties
Pakistan & Hungary agree to lift visa requirements for diplomats, boost ties in trade, culture, education & more. B2B partnerships, scholarships & GSP+ support also on the table.
ND
by News Desk
2025-04-17
Pakistan, Hungary Sign Visa Deal for Diplomats, Eye Deeper Ties

ISLAMABAD – In a major diplomatic development, Pakistan and Hungary agreed on Thursday to mutually lift visa requirements for diplomatic passport-holders, marking a significant step towards strengthening bilateral ties as Hungary’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó visited Islamabad on an official one-day trip.

Szijjártó, accompanied by a high-level business delegation, held talks with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar, culminating in the signing of key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) covering culture, archaeology, and diplomatic visa exemption.

“We want our relations to be even more intensified,” said Szijjártó at a joint press conference with Dar.

Key Agreements and Cooperation Areas

  • Mutual visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders
  • MoUs signed in the cultural and archaeological sectors
  • Commitment to enhance collaboration at multilateral forums, including the United Nations
  • Continued scholarships for 400 Pakistani students annually
  • Hungary reaffirmed support for Pakistan’s GSP+ status beyond 2027

Szijjártó hailed Pakistan as a reliable partner, stating that both countries have rich histories marked by their struggles for independence and sovereignty.

Boosting Economic & Business Relations

During his visit, Szijjártó also attended the Pakistan-Hungary Business Forum, where both countries explored business and trade opportunities.

The Hungarian minister expressed optimism about building B2B partnerships and expanding cooperation in trade, energy, healthcare, agriculture, industrial manufacturing, and IT. He also acknowledged the success of Hungarian companies in food security and water management projects in Pakistan.

“We hope today's B2B meetings will lead to long-term business ventures,” he remarked.

Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan welcomed Hungary’s expertise and innovation, stating that the forum would open new avenues for collaboration and investment.

Focus on Security and Regional Stability

Szijjártó praised Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts and stressed the importance of stability in the region.

“Hungary appreciates Pakistan’s role in countering terrorism threats, particularly from Afghanistan, which also helps ensure Europe’s and global security,” he said.

He warned of the security risks posed by terrorist networks in Afghanistan and potential illegal migratory waves toward Europe.

On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Hungarian minister criticised efforts to undermine peace negotiations, voicing support for diplomatic dialogue over confrontation in global politics.

“Dialogue must replace interference and lecturing in international relations,” he said.

Looking Ahead

2025 will mark 60 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Hungary, a partnership that has grown steadily due to shared interests and frequent high-level exchanges.

A Foreign Office (FO) statement highlighted Hungary’s longstanding presence in Pakistan through MOL, the Hungarian oil and gas giant, which has been operational in the country since 1999.

“The agreements signed today are based on mutual respect, sovereignty, and a shared belief in peaceful dialogue,” Szijjártó stated on X after the visit.

The visit concluded with both countries expressing strong intent to deepen ties across economic, political, and cultural spheres, while laying a foundation for stronger regional cooperation and mutual development.
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