Foreign Minister János Martonyi had a meeting with Jalil Abbas Jilani, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Pakistan at the ASEM summit in Laos. They both agreed that the active contribution of the international community to the peace process in Afghanistan was crucial.

The Hungarian Foreign Minister and the Pakistani Deputy Foreign Minister had talks at the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit in Vientiane, Laos. Minister Martonyi declared that Hungary regarded Pakistan as a major partner because of its role in regional stability, in combating terrorism and in the fight against drug trafficking adding that Hungary appreciated Pakistan’s efforts and achievements.

Jalil Abbas Jilani gave an account of the Pakistani evaluation of the situation in Afghanistan, emphasizing that they had serious concerns about the pulling out of international forces. He stated that Pakistan appreciated Hungary’s contribution to developing the Afghan security forces.

Minister Martonyi pointed out that despite the military withdrawal Hungary would temporarily enhance its presence in Afghanistan. In addition to bolstering the civilian projects, the Hungarian military take over the management of the international airport in Kabul.

The Pakistani Deputy Foreign Minister claimed that economic cooperation was the most successful in the two countries’ bilateral relations. He added that MOL Pakistan, a Hungarian oil and gas company, became one of the largest employers in the north-western Frontier Regions. Jalil Abbas Jilani stressed the importance of high-level meetings, and forwarded the invitation of Prime Minister Raja Parviz Ashraf for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to pay an official visit in Pakistan. Minister Martonyi declared that Hungary was also interested in bolstering bilateral relations, and invited the Pakistani Foreign Minister to visit Hungary. He said that Hungary was primarily interested in developing cooperation in the areas of agriculture, food processing, water management and IT.

(Prime Minister’s Office)