The two leaders discussed current issues concerning the changing world order and the peace and stability of the Middle East during their working lunch, the statement said. They both welcomed the dynamic development of relations in Hungarian-Israeli economic cooperation, it added.

Orban reaffirmed at the meeting that Hungary recognises Israel's right to self-defence, the press office said.

Sulyok: Israel can count on Hungary in international arena

Israel can continue to rely on Hungary's support in the international arena, President Tamas Sulyok said after talks with his Israeli counterpart, Isaac Herzog, in Budapest.

Sulyok added that, in the European Union, Hungary promoted "a cooperation-centred position".

In a statement, the president said Hungary "most firmly condemns anti-Semitism and applies zero tolerance to any of its manifestations". That, he added, was among the priorities of Hungary's EU presidency last year.

It is important that Hungary's Jewish communities should feel safe, "especially in light of what has recently been seen in Europe", the president said.

Hungary is committed to keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive for future generations, Sulyok said in his statement.

Sulyok thanked his guest for his visit "in this extraordinary, tense situation". He said they saw eye to eye on issues such as the security of borders, as well as issues around national sovereignty and identity.

"I am convinced that a strong Israel is not only crucial for the security of the Middle East but for that of Europe, too, as well as for the protection of European Jews and in the fight against anti-Semitism," the president added.

Hungary, as on earlier occasions, condemns Hamas's "brutal terrorist attack and military aggression, inhuman treatment of hostages and using people as a human shields," Sulyok said.

Dialogue between Hungary and Israel "is uninterrupted", and there are no problematic or open questions between them, the president said, adding that strategic cooperation in the areas of research and development, the defence industry, and education and culture could be further deepened.

The president said he trusted that Hungary's friendly relations with Israel could be maintained.

Herzog thanked Hungary for its support of Israel since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.

Hungary, he said, had shown "deep friendship" towards Israel, which it was "refusing to break in the midst of the anti-Zionism, anti-Israelism and anti-Semitism flooding the world".

Hungary's efforts were "clear" in connection with "the International Criminal Court's decision against Israel" and other international institutions, he said. Hungary has also stood up for Israel's right to bring home the hostages kidnapped in the Gaza strip, he said. "These are the moments when true friendship shows."

He also thanked Sulyok and Hungary's government for their efforts to root out anti-Semitism.

He highlighted the long-standing relationship between the Jewish and Hungarian peoples, noting the rich history of the Hungarian Jewish community and that many of its members live in Israel today.

Herzog said the October 7 Hamas attack had also had a devastating impact on the Hungarian Jewish community. He cited the example of Omri Miran, a dual Israeli-Hungarian citizen, who has been held hostage by Hamas for over 500 days.

Sulyok and Herzog on Tuesday also met with Miran’s family members. Herzog expressed hope that Miran could return to his family as part of a complete hostage exchange, calling on Hamas to release the hostages.

Tuesday’s meeting was also attended by Aharon Shevo, a Holocaust survivor born in Hungary whose grandson, Malkia Gross, died fighting Hamas last year.

Herzog also thanked Sulyok for his efforts contributing to the worthy commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Holocaust in Hungary.

He said that on Wednesday he will visit the birthplace of Austro-Hungarian writer and political activist Theodor Herzl, the father of Zionism, where his father Chaim Herzog, Israel’s sixth president, unveiled a commemorative plaque 30 years ago.

Herzog said he invited Sulyok to Israel, which the Hungarian president accepted.

Source: 
MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.

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