Budapest notes progress in solving issue of national minorities in Ukraine – FM Sybiha

During the meeting of the heads of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Hungary on September 30 in Budapest, both sides recorded "positive dynamics" in solving issues related to national minorities.

The head of the Ukrainian foreign policy department, Andrii Sybiha, reported that, according to European Pravda.

As noted in the publication, the minister welcomed opening the first bilingual Ukrainian-Hungarian school for Ukrainian children in Hungary.

"It was this school that I visited this morning. I was left with an incredibly positive impression. I believe this educational institution will play a crucial role in preserving Ukrainian identity and aiding children in adapting to their surroundings without losing their cultural roots. It also serves as another step towards fostering understanding between Ukraine and Hungary," Sybiha emphasized.

The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Ukraine confirms its bilateral and international commitments to ensure the rights of persons belonging to the Hungarian national community.

"The minister and I noted positive dynamics in solving this issue, and we also agreed on further interaction to reach an understanding on all sensitive issues," Sybiha emphasized.

He added that the Ukrainian Hungarians are an inseparable and equal part of the Ukrainian political nation and a key bridge of understanding between the two states.

For reference:

On September 30, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andrii Sybiha, met in Budapest with his Hungarian colleague, Peter Szijjártó. The parties held negotiations in a tête-à-tête format.

As Rubryka reported, on December 8, 2023, the Verkhovna Rada [Ukraine's parliament – ed.] expanded the rights of national minorities in Ukraine, primarily in the field of education, by adopting changes to laws and aligning them with the recommendations of the European Commission so as not to block the start of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to the EU.

The Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Hungary established a special commission in January 2024 to address disputed issues regarding the rights of national minorities. The commission was tasked with presenting a concrete understanding of the final solution to the governments of both countries within ten days.

In May, Hungary announced that "positive signs" had become visible regarding Ukraine's fulfillment of Hungarian demands on the rights of national minorities.

It is worth noting that Hungary's Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, is openly anti-Ukrainian and often makes statements to discredit Ukraine.

Since the start of the full-scale war, Hungary has not provided military aid to Ukraine, and it also blocks European Union sanctions against Russia. In addition, Budapest continues to conduct trade with the Russian Federation, and representatives of the Hungarian authorities visit Moscow.