Islamabad, April 17, 2025: Hungary on Thursday expressed strong support for the extension of Pakistan’s GSP+ status and pledged to deepen economic cooperation across multiple sectors, according to Radio Pakistan.
The commitment came during a meeting in Islamabad between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó.
Addressing a joint press conference, Dar highlighted shared interests between the two countries in agriculture, energy, healthcare, information technology, and industrial manufacturing. He emphasized the “vast potential” to further enhance bilateral relations, calling Hungary a “steadfast and trusted friend.”
Dar praised Hungary’s contributions to Pakistan’s development and reiterated Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation, including at the United Nations. He also briefed his Hungarian counterpart on regional issues, including Pakistan’s stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution and the Palestinian right to self-determination.
Foreign Minister Szijjártó endorsed the extension of Pakistan’s GSP+ status beyond 2027, calling it a “mutual interest” for both Pakistan and the European Union. He noted the success of Hungarian-led food security and water management projects in Pakistan and pointed to a growing trade volume between the two nations.
He also announced 400 annual scholarships for Pakistani students and revealed that a 17-member Hungarian business delegation had accompanied him to explore partnerships in education, agriculture, medical science, energy, and water management.
On the security front, Szijjártó lauded Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts, particularly in relation to threats emanating from Afghanistan, and acknowledged their contribution to both regional and European stability.
Earlier, both countries signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders and two memoranda of understanding focused on cultural and archaeological cooperation.
