President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi held talks with Hungarian President András Baka in Budapest on Friday. The talks took place during President Sisi’s official visit to Hungary, as the two countries prepare to mark the centenary of diplomatic relations in 2028.
They focused on means to boost bilateral relations, expand economic co-operation and address regional and international challenges, Presidency Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed el-Shennawy said.
President Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to deepening its longstanding ties with Hungary and building on the strategic partnership declaration signed by the two countries in 2023.
He stressed the importance of translating the partnership into concrete projects and programmes that would deliver tangible benefits to both countries.
He highlighted existing co-operation in several sectors, particularly railways, calling for further collaboration on infrastructure projects, including those implemented under Egypt’s Decent Life (Hayah Karima) rural development initiative.
Sisi also underscored Egypt’s efforts to combat irregular migration and called for stronger bilateral security co-operation, regular meetings of the two countries’ High Joint Committee, and increased trade and tourism exchanges.
He extended an invitation to his Hungarian counterpart to visit Egypt, Ambassador Shennawy said.
For his part, the Hungarian president welcomed Sisi’s visit, describing Egypt as a highly important partner and expressing appreciation for the strong relations and longstanding co-operation between the two countries.
He praised Egypt’s policies and President Sisi’s role in promoting security and stability in the Middle East and beyond.
The Hungarian president also acknowledged the vital importance of the River Nile to Egypt and stressed the need to strengthen cultural co-operation between the two nations.
The discussions addressed regional and international developments of mutual concern, with the Hungarian leader commending Egypt’s efforts to maintain stability in the Middle East and tackle irregular migration.
Sisi outlined Egypt’s vision for achieving regional peace and stability, highlighting its diplomatic efforts to resolve crises and conflicts through peaceful means and safeguard regional and international security.
Earlier, an official welcoming ceremony was held in Kossuth Lajos Square outside the Hungarian Parliament building, where the two presidents reviewed a guard of honour as the national anthems of Egypt and Hungary were played.
The two leaders also greeted members of their respective delegations.
Following the ceremony, Sisi visited Heroes’ Square in Budapest, where he laid a wreath at Hungary’s national memorial before proceeding to Sándor Palace for official talks.
At the presidential palace, the two leaders posed for an official photograph before Sisi signed the visitors’ book. They then held a bilateral meeting, followed by expanded talks attended by delegations from both countries.
The Hungarian president later hosted a luncheon in honour of Sisi, during which the Egyptian leader expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and generous hospitality.
Sisi reaffirmed the depth of friendship and mutual respect between Egypt and Hungary, noting that bilateral relations were rooted in decades of productive co-operation, cultural exchange, political understanding and shared economic interests.
He expressed his determination to work closely with the Hungarian president to further enhance the strategic partnership and advance the mutual interests of both peoples.
The luncheon featured a musical performance by Egyptian-Hungarian artists Amira and Mariam Abou Zahra. President Sisi and his Hungarian counterpart greeted the two artists and posed for a commemorative photograph with them to mark the occasion.
Following the luncheon, the Hungarian president accompanied Sisi to a balcony overlooking Budapest at Sándor Palace, where the two leaders posed for another photograph.
