A bilateral meeting was held today in Budapest between the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Bećirović, and the Prime Minister of Hungary, Péter Magyar. The discussion covered the overall relations between the two countries, economic cooperation, European and Euro-Atlantic integration, security cooperation, and other topics of mutual interest.
Chairman Bećirović expressed his conviction that today’s meeting marks the beginning of a new phase in the relationship between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Hungary. He emphasized that BiH seeks to develop comprehensive ties with Hungary, a member of both the EU and NATO.
According to a statement from the Office of the Chairman of the Presidency of BiH, Denis Bećirović, he noted that the policy of the previous Hungarian government had damaged mutual trust and the relations between the two states. He expressed his belief that the political changes in Hungary offer an opportunity to open a new chapter in interstate relations—one based on equal cooperation, European values, and shared interests.
Bećirović highlighted the importance of the European perspective for Bosnia and Herzegovina and other Western Balkan nations. He welcomed the new Hungarian government’s support for the EU enlargement policy and underscored that full membership in the EU and NATO remains a strategic foreign policy objective for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Chairman of the Presidency of BiH further emphasized the need to strengthen the economic ties between the two countries. He pointed to the potential for increasing Hungarian investments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in the sectors of energy, industrial production, information technology, the food industry, and tourism.
Bećirović also proposed launching a joint initiative to re-establish a direct flight route between Sarajevo and Budapest, as well as discussions on restoring a direct passenger rail link between the two capitals. He emphasized that improved transport connectivity would foster the development of trade, tourism, and investment, while also bringing the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Hungary closer together. Furthermore, he suggested intensifying cooperation in the areas of renewable energy sources, the modernization of power infrastructure, and energy security.
Bećirović thanked the Hungarian Prime Minister for the invitation to attend the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and the struggle for freedom. He underscored that this significant historical event serves as a reminder of the universal value of the fight for freedom and democracy.
Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar highlighted the new Hungarian government’s commitment to developing strong bilateral relations with Bosnia and Herzegovina, based on the principles of mutual respect, equality, and partnership. He emphasized that Hungary respects the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and supports the stability of the Western Balkans.
He expressed an interest in strengthening economic ties, investments, and cooperation in areas of common interest. He noted that the presence of the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina at the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution and the 1956 struggle for freedom holds special significance for the Hungarian people; it serves as a gesture of respect for their history, while also affirming a desire to strengthen relations between the two nations, according to a statement from the Office of the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Denis Bećirović.
