Press Release
Embassy of India
Budapest

Visit of External Affairs Minister to Hungary
(August 25-27,2019)

External Affairs Minsiter Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar visited Hungary from 25-27 August 2019. This was External Affairs Minsiter's first visit to Hungary after assuming office.

2. During his visit,External Affairs Minister held discussions with Hungary's Foreign Minister H.E. Mr. Peter Szijjarto on a wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues including on cooperation with the Visegrad Group. The two Ministers signed a Cultural Exchange Programme between India and Hungary for the period 2019-22. The Hungarian side annonuced their decision to join the International Solar Alliance, an organization established to harness the solar energy for the benefit of member nations and headquartered in India. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto inter alia mentioned that the Hungarian side will focus on five main areas of film production, digitalization, water management,solar energy and pharmaceuticals for strengthening cooperation with India.The External Affairs Minister noted with satisfaction the positive trend of Indian investment in Hungary and its favourable buisness environment and competitiveness. The two Minsiters agreed to also intensify bilateral interaction in the fields of education, tourism and science.The External Affairs had meetings with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Mr. Mihaly Varga and Chairman of Hungary-India Parliamentary Friendship Group Mr. Peter Cseresnyes. During these meetings, a range of issues of interest were discussed including parliamentary exchanges and other high-level contacts, as also people-to people ties.

3. The External Affairs Minister adressed the annual conference of Hungary's Heads of Missions on August 26,2019. He was invited by Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto to speak at the opening session of the conference as Chief Guest. This was a special honour bestowed upon External Affairs Minister by the Hungarian side.

4. The External Affairs Minsiter also inaugurated a photo exhibition at the Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Centre ath the Embassy of India on August 26. The photo exhibition commemorating 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Hungary showcased several historical photographs. The Ambassador of India hosted a Reception in honour of External Affairs Minister which was attended by several dignitaries including Members of Parliament, senior government officials, buisness leaders and friends of India.

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August 27, 2019