On October 18, 2024, Levente Magyar, Parliamentary State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, visited Kyiv to meet with Andriy Sybiha, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine, and other senior officials to discuss advancing Hungarian-Ukrainian relations and resolving ongoing issues. During the visit, Magyar emphasized significant cooperation between the two countries, particularly in vital areas as energy and infrastructure, although relations are occasionally strained by disagreements over minority rights.

Strengthening Energy Cooperation

Magyar highlighted that Hungary has become Ukraine’s largest electricity supplier, which has become crucial given the war-damaged state of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. “This is a critical period as much of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure is in ruins due to the war, and the Ukrainian side appreciates this support,” noted Magyar. Ukraine assured Hungary of the continued uninterrupted supply of strategically important oil shipments from Ukraine.

Education for the Hungarian Minority in Transcarpathia

A central focus of the visit was the educational situation of ethnic Hungarians in Transcarpathia. Magyar met with the Ukrainian Deputy Minister of Education, with whom he has been working for years to address educational rights’ issues. While major breakthroughs have yet to be achieved, Magyar remains optimistic about progress. “There are some positive developments, and we can expect significant advances that may allow us to move past minority-related obstacles in our relations,” he added.

Developing Transport Infrastructure

Discussions also focused on developing transit routes from Ukraine through Hungary to the European Union. The war has closed Ukraine’s eastern routes, and restrictions on air travel have emphasized the importance of road and rail infrastructure. As Ukraine’s main western transit corridor, Hungary’s commitment to expanding capacity is essential.

Plans include new railway and highway development projects, opening more border crossings, and extending the hours of existing ones. Magyar emphasized that these projects will require European Union funding, as the full infrastructure development would involve multi-billion-euro investments.

Strong Relations with the Former Transcarpathian Governor

During the visit, Magyar met with the Deputy Head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, Viktor Mikita, former governor of Transcarpathia, with whom he shares excellent relations. According to Magyar, this bond facilitates Hungarian-Ukrainian relations at the highest level.

Levente Magyar’s visit to Kyiv highlighted both countries’ openness to ongoing relationship development and their concrete steps to resolve conflicts and deepen strategic cooperation.

Source: MagyarNemzet

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