Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "This morning, Anita Orban and I kicked off the Hungarian-Ukrainian expert-level consultations, together with Taras Kachka. 

In my opening remarks, I focused on three key issues: bilateral relations, minority rights, and Ukraine’s EU accession. We are united in our will to solve problems and overcome challenges. 

First, Ukraine wants to open a new, mutually beneficial chapter in our bilateral relations based on trust. We are in a momentum to achieve this. We appreciate Hungary’s clear condemnation of recent Russian strikes, including those hitting Zakarpattya.  

Our nations deserve to be good neighbors and work together toward a shared, peaceful, and European future. 

Second, Ukraine takes national minority rights seriously and remains committed to ensuring them in accordance with European standards. We understand that this issue has a fundamental importance.  

And third, I proposed to view Ukraine’s EU accession as a strategic interest for Hungary, the opportunity to strengthen Hungarian national unity, and the best way to ensure the Hungarian minority’s rights.  

I emphasised that it is time to build a solid foundation to open the first EU negotiation cluster this May, and five more in June.  

With my Hungarian counterpart, we share the same goal: to seize this momentum and deliver tangible results. I also look forward to meeting my colleague in person tomorrow at the NATO ministerial in Sweden.  

I hope that today’s consultations will be constructive and demonstrate that Ukraine and Hungary are ready to move past the challenges of the past and shape our common future".