The question of the allocation of €50 billion in financial aid to Ukraine under the EU’s Ukraine Facility program was not discussed during the meeting in Uzhgorod on January 29 between the heads of the Ukrainian and Hungarian foreign ministries, Dmitry Kuleba and Peter Szijjarto, and the head of the President’s Office, Andriy Yermak. Szijjarto made this statement during a joint briefing on the outcome of the negotiations, the video recording of which was published on the Facebook page of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The meeting between the Ukrainian and Hungarian officials was an important step in strengthening the strategic partnership between their countries. Among the topics discussed were key issues such as trade, energy cooperation, and cultural and humanitarian ties. However, the topic of financial aid from the EU was not brought up, which raised questions and concerns among some media outlets.
According to Szijjarto, the purpose of the meeting was not to negotiate financial assistance, but rather to strengthen the existing economic and political cooperation between Ukraine and Hungary. He stressed the importance of maintaining a constructive dialogue and finding ways to resolve any existing issues between the two countries.
The decision to allocate €50 billion in financial aid to Ukraine through the Ukraine Facility program was announced back in May 2020. This program aims to support the country in implementing key reforms and addressing economic challenges. The EU has been a key partner and supporter of Ukraine, providing financial, political, and technical assistance in its efforts towards European integration.
In recent years, relations between Ukraine and Hungary have been strained due to disagreements over language issues and dual citizenship. However, both sides have expressed their commitment to finding solutions and moving towards a more constructive relationship.
The joint briefing after the meeting in Uzhgorod was a clear demonstration of this commitment, as both parties emphasized the positive outcomes of the discussions and the mutual desire to move forward in a constructive manner. Szijjarto reiterated the importance of Ukrainian-Hungarian relations and expressed his hope for a stronger partnership in the future.
Yermak, in turn, thanked Szijjarto for his visit to Ukraine and emphasized the shared history and cultural ties between the two countries. He also emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to implementing necessary reforms and expressed his gratitude for the support of the EU and its member states in this process.
Despite the media speculation and concerns about the absence of discussions about financial aid, it is important to note that the meeting in Uzhgorod had a clear agenda and the issue of financial assistance was not part of it. The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen cooperation and build mutually beneficial relations, which were successfully achieved.
In conclusion, the meeting in Uzhgorod between the heads of the Ukrainian and Hungarian foreign ministries was a positive step towards strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries. While the issue of financial aid from the EU was not discussed, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to constructive dialogue and cooperation. It is a testament to the strong and growing relationship between Ukraine and Hungary, and a positive sign for the future of the region.
