In a major boost to bilateral ties, Hungary has announced 400 fully funded Hungary-Pakistan scholarships for Pakistani students, strengthening educational and diplomatic relations between the two countries. The announcement came during a joint press conference in Islamabad on Wednesday, where Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar hosted Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó.
Marking 60 Years of Diplomacy
The visit coincided with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Hungary. Both sides used the occasion to reaffirm their commitment to long-term cooperation through practical, people-centered initiatives. Several memoranda of understanding (MOUs) were signed to promote collaboration in trade, industrial development, and cultural exchange.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed his Hungarian counterpart warmly, calling Hungary a consistent and trustworthy partner in Pakistan’s development. He pointed out Hungary’s significant role in supporting Pakistan’s industrial sector, particularly through Hungarian investment via the Mughal Group.
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Expanding Educational Cooperation
Highlighting the importance of academic collaboration, Szijjártó announced that 1,700 Pakistani students had already applied for the 400 available scholarships. He emphasized Hungary’s focus on promoting people-to-people contact, describing education as a powerful tool for fostering mutual understanding.
“These scholarships are not just about education,” Szijjártó said. “They are about building lasting bridges between our countries.”
The scholarships will cover tuition, accommodation, and other living expenses, offering Pakistani students the opportunity to pursue higher education in a wide range of disciplines at Hungarian institutions.
Tackling Regional Challenges
Beyond education, the leaders addressed broader regional and global issues. The two ministers discussed instability in Afghanistan, cross-border security threats, and the importance of a coordinated diplomatic response. Dar briefed Szijjártó on Pakistan’s challenges in maintaining border security and its efforts toward regional peace and stability.
Both ministers also expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for a peaceful resolution in the Middle East. Additionally, they discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine, with both nations stressing the urgency of diplomatic efforts to restore peace.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
This visit marked Szijjártó’s second official trip to Pakistan, underscoring the growing importance Hungary places on relations with Islamabad. He praised Pakistan’s commitment to peace and its contributions to regional stability, noting that Hungary shares similar goals on the global stage.
Dar, in turn, acknowledged Hungary’s expanding role as a development and trade partner. He expressed hope that the newly signed agreements would lead to tangible progress in economic, cultural, and academic cooperation.
A New Era of Engagement
The announcement of the scholarship program and the broad diplomatic engagement reflect a clear intent by both countries to build a future-oriented partnership. With education, trade, and peace at the core of their shared agenda, Pakistan and Hungary are setting the stage for a deeper, more meaningful relationship that prioritizes people, opportunity, and cooperation.
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