Pakistan and Hungary Sign Key Agreements to Boost Diplomatic and Economic Ties
Islamabad, April 17, 2025 – Pakistan and Hungary have taken a major step toward strengthening bilateral relations by signing an agreement to mutually waive visa requirements for diplomatic passport holders. The development came during a high-level visit by Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó to Islamabad on Thursday.
The visit, hosted by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, included a Hungarian business delegation exploring trade and investment opportunities in Pakistan.
Speaking at a joint press conference, both leaders highlighted the growing cooperation between the two nations. Minister Szijjártó noted, “We are happy to sign this agreement to lift visa requirements for diplomatic passport-holders. It reflects our shared desire to deepen bilateral ties.”
Strengthening Cultural and Economic Partnerships
During the visit, two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were also signed to promote collaboration in culture and archaeology, reflecting a shared appreciation for both countries’ rich historical legacies.
Minister Szijjártó emphasized Hungary’s growing economic relationship with Pakistan, citing a doubling of trade volume and ongoing Hungarian-led projects in food security and water management.
Hungary also reaffirmed its educational commitment by offering 400 annual scholarships to Pakistani students. “Both our nations have made sacrifices for independence and sovereignty, and we believe mutual respect should form the foundation of international cooperation,” he said.
Support for GSP+ and Regional Stability
Hungary expressed strong support for Pakistan’s continuation in the GSP+ trade program beyond 2027, a key initiative that provides Pakistani exports preferential access to EU markets.
On regional matters, Minister Szijjártó praised Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts and its role in managing security challenges stemming from Afghanistan. He stressed the importance of Pakistan’s contributions to global and European security in addressing illegal migration and extremism threats.
He also addressed the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, urging for genuine peace negotiations and cautioning against political interference in global peace efforts.
Shared Vision on Global Cooperation
Both countries agreed to deepen collaboration in areas including agriculture, energy, healthcare, IT, and industrial manufacturing. Deputy Prime Minister Dar reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to fostering stronger economic and diplomatic ties with Hungary.
At the Pakistan-Hungary Business Forum in Islamabad, business leaders from both sides held B2B meetings aimed at forging long-term partnerships. Hungary expressed a keen interest in enhancing trade and investment cooperation across multiple sectors.
Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan highlighted Hungary’s technological and industrial strengths, stating that increased collaboration would benefit both countries.
A Milestone Year for Bilateral Relations
The Foreign Office noted that 2025 marks 60 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Hungary. A key feature of this relationship has been the ongoing investment by Hungarian energy company MOL in Pakistan since 1999.
According to the Foreign Office, both nations are aligned on various regional and international issues and are committed to strengthening ties through regular high-level exchanges and economic cooperation.
