Ukraine's FM holds meeting with Hungarian colleague for first time since beginning of full-scale war
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba. Photo: Facebook/Dmytro Kuleba
On December 11, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba, personally met with his Hungarian counterpart, Péter Szijjártó, for the first time during the full-scale war.
Kuleba announced this on Instagram.
"We talked for an hour. There was a very long, sincere conversation. We have known each other for a long time, although it was really the first time since the beginning of the full-scale Russian invasion that we sat down and had a thorough conversation. We honestly answered each other's questions," wrote the head of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry.
He added that the main topic was the decision of the European Council to open negotiations on Ukraine's membership in the EU.
"I understand that everyone is waiting for the answer: yes or no? Give it some time. I will now report to President Zelensky. Peter will report to his Prime Minister," said Kuleba.
The Ukrainian minister noted that he "clearly told" his Hungarian colleague about the joint future in Europe: "We have to get there as soon as possible. Together".
At the same time, Péter Szijjártó wrote on Facebook that the decision on Ukraine's accession to the EU will have "historic significance for the future of the entire European Union." He said the European Commission "almost has no idea of the impact Ukraine's membership in the EU will have on the entire bloc."
"One can mention at least the unresolved problems caused by the previous decisions of the European Commission regarding the transit of grain or the cancellation of permits for Ukrainian trucks. The European Commission has not completed the preparatory work that could guarantee that Ukraine will continue negotiations on accession," said the head of the Hungarian Foreign Ministry.
He added that he also spoke with Kuleba about the law on minorities. Szijjártó said his country "expects a return to the conditions of 2015". The Hungarian minister also stated that "it was a difficult period for bilateral relations" between Ukraine and Hungary.
It should be noted that this meeting took place against the background of preparations for the EU summit, where the issue of the official start of negotiations with Ukraine on joining the EU will be considered.
For reference:
As Rubryka previously reported, on Monday, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov held a "sincere" telephone conversation with his Hungarian colleague Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky.
