Ukrainian Foreign Minister says Budapest noted "positive dynamics" on national minorities issue

After talks with Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó in Budapest, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that he and his Hungarian counterpart noted "positive dynamics" in resolving the issue of national minorities.

Sybiha welcomed the opening of the first bilingual Ukrainian-Hungarian school for Ukrainian children in Hungary.

"I visited this school this morning. I left with extremely positive impressions. I am confident that this educational institution will contribute to the preservation of Ukrainian identity, help children adapt to the environment without losing their cultural roots, and will be another step towards understanding between Ukraine and Hungary," he said in a press statement after a meeting with Szijjártó. 

Sybiha stressed that Ukraine once again reaffirmed its bilateral and international commitments to ensure the rights of persons belonging to the Hungarian national community. 

"Minister [Szijjártó] and I have noted the positive dynamics in resolving this issue and agreed to further cooperate in order to reach an understanding on all sensitive issues," Sybiha said.

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

In an interview with European Pravda this summer, Andrii Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, spoke about a "frank conversation" with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó during the latter's visit to Uzhhorod in January 2024, which resulted in Budapest's demands for the rights of the Hungarian minority.

These demands were included in the negotiation framework for Ukraine's accession to the EU.

Read more on the topic: How Hungary crossed red lines again in blackmailing Ukraine on its path to the EU