Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó held talks with Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade of the United Arab Emirates, in Budapest. Last Friday, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán visited the United Arab Emirates for a meeting with President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two meetings anticipate the expansion of cooperation between the two countries.
Cooperation between the UAE and Hungary had already been successful prior to the meeting, and following the diplomatic discussions, Péter Szijjártó announced that it would be extended to new areas such as the space industry, defence, and telecommunications. The 12 economic agreements signed between the two countries were also reviewed, as bilateral trade has shown significant growth, increasing by 24 percent this year.
Péter Szijjártó also announced that Wizz Air had resumed flights between the Hungarian capital and the Middle Eastern country. There are now 20 flights a week between Budapest and Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
‘We have already achieved several successes this year, with more than 1,000 tons of cheese exports, more than 15 tons of medicine exports, and Hungarian digital service providers at major festivals in the Emirates, and we are now further developing this cooperation in the space, defence, and telecommunications industries,’ Minister Szijjártó said regarding the cooperation.
Szijjártó pointed out that in the current era of tremendous change and serious crises, the importance of states that represent stability in the most dangerous regions and that are committed to cooperation in the face of conflict has increased.
‘In this extremely difficult period, Hungary is particularly committed to the restoration of global cooperation based on mutual respect’
‘In this extremely difficult period, Hungary is particularly committed to the restoration of global cooperation based on mutual respect, and the redivision of the world into blocs is expressly contrary to our interests,’ he emphasized. ‘In this regard, in the pursuit of respectful global cooperation, the United Arab Emirates and Hungary stand as allies,’ he continued.
Hungary Is the Strongest Supporter of EU–UAE relations
Negotiations have recently begun between the European Union and the United Arab Emirates on a free trade and strategic partnership agreement, which the Hungarian government strongly supports.
‘Unfortunately, the current leadership of the European Union has isolated the European Union from the most important players in the global economy. We would like the European Union to play a more important and stronger role in the global economy again,’ Szijjártó said, referring to relations with the UAE.
‘This requires external partnerships, and the free trade agreement to be concluded with the United Arab Emirates could significantly contribute to strengthening the European economy’s potential. That is why Hungary strongly supports the conclusion of free trade and strategic partnership agreements between the European Union and the United Arab Emirates. This is also firmly in Hungary’s national economic interest,’ the minister concluded.
Viktor Orbán in Abu Dhabi
Viktor Orbán travelled to Abu Dhabi on a working visit with President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
‘A very productive meeting today in Abu Dhabi with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. Pleased to build on a special partnership that will create significant opportunities in energy, AI, and digital infrastructure for both our nations,’ stated the Hungarian Prime Minister after the meeting.
The meeting between the heads of state demonstrates Hungary’s intention to become the United Arab Emirates’ strategic partner within the European Union, with a focus on areas such as energy, digital infrastructure, and artificial intelligence.
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