Deputy Speaker István Jakab: Hungary supports Armenia’s EU integration, visa liberalization
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Armenian Deputy Speaker of Parliament Hakob Arshakyan held a meeting in Yerevan on Friday with István Jakab, the Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian Parliament.
According to a readout from the parliament’s press service, Arshakyan noted that the commitment to restoring bilateral diplomatic relations after a prolonged break demonstrates that all issues can be resolved through dialogue.
In the context of developing bilateral relations, Arshakyan welcomed the opening of Armenia’s embassy in Budapest and Hungary’s embassy in Yerevan. He also emphasized the importance of parliamentary cooperation, including at the level of parliamentary friendship groups.
Arshakyan expressed hope that Hungary would support the Armenia-EU visa liberalization dialogue process, noting that the action plan has already been handed over to Armenia.
He briefed his Hungarian counterpart on the regional situation and the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan. In this context, he referred to the joint declaration signed in Washington, the initialed peace agreement, and the TRIPP project.
“The concept of state policy aimed at promoting peace and cooperation was further reinforced on January 22 of this year, when the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, at the invitation of U.S. President Donald Trump, participated as a founding member in the ceremonial signing of the Charter of the Board of Peace in Davos, within the framework of the World Economic Forum. It is encouraging that Hungary is also participating in this important platform,” Arshakyan said.
Emphasizing the importance of the repatriation of persons illegally detained in Azerbaijan and those considered missing, Arshakyan stressed that Armenia highly appreciates Hungary’s initiative to address humanitarian issues. With the support of the Hungarian government, five Armenian prisoners of war returned to Armenia in December 2021.
The Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly also highlighted the warm and friendly bilateral relations, which are developing effectively at both the parliamentary and executive levels. István Jakab, for his part, highlighted the peace process, noting that there is no alternative to it. He added that Hungary supports Armenia’s EU integration process and is in favor of visa liberalization.
The meeting also addressed the deepening of economic cooperation and the promotion of ties in several other fields. The role of the Hungarian-Armenian community in developing relations between the two countries and peoples was also highlighted.