Hungary Provides Expert Assistance to Georgia’s EU Integration Process

| News, Politics, Georgia

On June 11, Maka Botchorishvili, Georgia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Péter Szijjártó, Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, met during the Georgia-Hungary Intergovernmental Summit in Budapest to discuss bilateral cooperation and regional issues.
During the meeting, the ministers highlighted the summit as a milestone for deepening sectoral cooperation and establishing a strong institutional foundation for advancing the strategic partnership between Georgia and Hungary. They emphasized the role of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation as an effective mechanism for enhancing ties in trade, economy, and connectivity, urging full utilization of existing potential. The discussion also covered Georgia’s European and Euro-Atlantic integration, with Botchorishvili expressing gratitude for Hungary’s steadfast political and practical support for these aspirations. Both ministers exchanged views on regional challenges and the situation in Georgia’s occupied territories, underscoring the need to maintain high-level international attention on these issues.
Later that day, during the second session of the summit, co-chaired by the Prime Ministers of Georgia and Hungary, Botchorishvili addressed participants alongside other cabinet members. She praised the summit as a reflection of the close political relations between the two countries and an opportunity to further strengthen bilateral ties in all areas. The minister thanked Hungary for its firm and principled support of Georgia’s sovereignty and European ambitions, stating, “Against the backdrop of the most difficult challenges we face, Hungary’s vocal and principled position is of great importance and significance for Georgia.” She also highlighted Hungary’s defense of Georgia’s positions in the European Union and other international organizations based on shared values, as well as Hungary’s practical expert assistance in Georgia’s EU integration process.
Botchorishvili further emphasized that the exemplary cooperation between Georgia and Hungary plays an important role not only bilaterally but also in protecting common values often under attack. She extended special thanks to Péter Szijjártó for his active support, which has contributed to positive momentum in their relations. During the summit, agreements were signed covering cooperation in agriculture, energy, culture, innovation, and sports. The Georgia-Hungary Intergovernmental Summit serves as a high-level platform for joint government meetings, with the first session held in October 2023 during the Hungarian Prime Minister’s visit to Georgia.

On June 12, Viktor Orbán, the Hungarian Prime Minister, stated that the Georgian authorities were the first to resist liberals during a press conference in Budapest following talks with his Georgian counterpart, Irakli Kobakhidze.
During the briefing, Orbán recalled the events of 2022, claiming that global liberals had attempted to destabilize both Hungary and Georgia to prevent the incumbent governments from remaining in power. He remarked, "The Georgian government is a force that Brussels is afraid to face head-on. Georgia was the first to decide to resist. And we can relate to that feeling," emphasizing Hungary’s alignment with Georgia’s stance.
Orbán further praised Georgia’s economic achievements, describing the country’s economic growth as "an impressive achievement" and expressing Budapest’s desire to achieve similar results.

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