Ukraine, Hungary kick off expert-level consultations

Kyiv and Budapest began expert-level consultations ​online on Wednesday, the ​countries' foreign ministers said. * Ukrainian ‌Foreign Minister ​Andrii Sybiha said he focused his opening statement on three key issues - bilateral relations, minority rights, ‌and Ukraine's EU accession.

* Both countries look to rebuild ties following a change of government in Hungary and said they would hold talks ‌this week about the rights of Ukraine's ethnic Hungarian minority. * Budapest ‌sees treatment of ethnic Hungarians in western Ukraine as key to improving the relationship between the countries.

* "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," Sybiha said on X. * "Hungary is ⁠committed to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. At the same time, ​the consistent protection of the rights of national minorities in our ⁠bilateral relations is our first task," Hungarian Foreign Minister Anita Orban said on social ⁠media. "I ​believe that today's consultation can be the beginning of a new process," she added.

* Sybiha also said he proposed that Hungary ⁠should view Ukraine's EU accession as in its strategic interest, including the best ⁠way to ensure ⁠the Hungarian minority's rights. * He added the two ministers would meet on Thursday at the NATO ministerial ‌meeting in ‌Sweden.

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