Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and Hungarian President Dr. András Baka held talks in Budapest on bilateral cooperation, regional security and shared international concerns during President el-Sisi’s official visit to Hungary. The meeting focused on strengthening the countries’ strategic partnership and turning existing agreements into practical projects, including cooperation in infrastructure, transport, trade and tourism.
The visit began with an official reception at Kossuth Square, in front of Hungary’s parliament. The two presidents listened to the national anthems of Egypt and Hungary, inspected the honor guard and greeted members of their delegations. President el-Sisi then laid a wreath at Hungary’s official memorial in Heroes’ Square before proceeding to Sándor Palace for talks with Baka.
At the palace, the presidents held a bilateral meeting followed by expanded discussions involving officials from both countries. President El-Sisi said Egypt valued its longstanding relationship with Hungary and wanted to build on the strategic partnership agreement signed in 2023. With the centenary of diplomatic relations between the countries approaching in 2028, he said the partnership should be developed through initiatives that produce tangible benefits for both peoples.
Infrastructure was among the areas highlighted in the discussions. President el-Sisi referred to existing cooperation, including railway projects, and expressed Egypt’s interest in further projects that could support development. He also raised the possibility of cooperation in infrastructure within the framework of Egypt’s “Decent Life” initiative.
The Egyptian president called for regular meetings of the countries’ joint committee and for efforts to increase bilateral trade and tourism. He also stressed the importance of security cooperation, including collaboration to combat irregular migration, and invited Baka to visit Egypt.
President Baka welcomed President el-Sisi and described Egypt as an important partner for Hungary. He expressed his country’s appreciation for the relationship and said the two nations shared close ties and a history of cooperation. President Baka also acknowledged the importance of the Nile River to Egypt and called for stronger bilateral cooperation in the cultural field.
Regional and international issues formed another part of the talks. President Baka praised Egypt’s role in supporting security and stability in the Middle East and its efforts to address irregular migration. President El-Sisi outlined Egypt’s approach to regional challenges, emphasizing the need to resolve crises and conflicts through peaceful means in order to protect regional and international security.
The discussions reflected the two governments’ effort to connect their strategic partnership with concrete cooperation, while also coordinating on issues that affect the wider region. The leaders’ agenda ranged from trade and transport to migration and conflict resolution, with both sides emphasizing the value of continued dialogue.
Following the talks, President Baka hosted a luncheon in honor of President el-Sisi at Sándor Palace. During the event, the Egyptian president again thanked the Hungarian side for its hospitality and spoke of the friendship and mutual respect between the countries. He described the relationship as one built on a long record of cooperation, cultural exchange, political understanding and shared economic interests, and said he looked forward to expanding the strategic partnership.
A musical performance by Egyptian-Hungarian sisters Amira and Mariam Abu Zahra took place during the luncheon. The two presidents greeted the performers and posed for a commemorative photograph with them. Their appearance formed a cultural element of the official program, alongside the political discussions and diplomatic engagements.
After the luncheon, President Baka accompanied President el-Sisi to a balcony at Sándor Palace overlooking Budapest, where the presidents took another commemorative photograph.
