Regional peace, eradicating terrorism Hungary envoy supports government efforts

Ambassador of Hungary to Pakistan Istvan Szabo Tuesday said that his country supports Pakistan's government efforts for strengthening regional peace and security to eradicate terrorist activities which would further bolster the issues of illegal, unchecked and non-regularised mass migration. Speaking at the Institute of Strategic, Islamabad (ISSI) public on "Pakistan-Hungary Relations", the Hungarian ambassador highlighted many aspects of Pakistan and Hungary relationship that have evolved since 1947, the independence of Pakistan.
He said that Hungary looks upon Pakistan as an essential power to safeguard peace and security in a highly important but inherently volatile part of the world. He stated that the Hungarian government appreciates and supports the efforts of the government of Pakistan to strengthen regional peace and security and to suppress terrorist activities which would further bolster the issues of illegal, unchecked and non-regularised mass migration.
In line with the Hungarian Southern opening policy, he said that the government is focusing on enhancing bilateral co-operation with Pakistan including trade and commercial ties, higher education and scientific exchange. He pointed out that the Hungarian Embassy's trade attaché through its ties with various agencies has tried to enhance economic ties between the two countries. He stated that Hungarian economy was growing rapidly and it is offering an attractive destination for doing business with highly developed infrastructure.
Referring to the bilateral trade between Pakistan and Hungary, the ambassador stated that Pakistan is considered to be a medium sized trading partner of Hungary, adding the trade volume between the countries has fluctuated which is why the primary goal is to enhance the trade activity between the countries.
He stated that Pakistan has a very challenging market and only financially strong and pre companies can manage their activities here. Education is a priority area as well, he said, adding with MoU's signed by either side, the Hungarian government has recently offered 80 scholarships for Pakistan in Hungarian institutions of higher education and they plan to increase this figure to 200 by next year. He paid glowing tribute to Agha Shahi, for promotion and enhancement of relations between Pakistan and Hungary.
The event was also addressed by representatives of the Hungarian Oil and Gas Company MOL. These included Afzaal Akhtar, Head of Business Support MOL, Hungarian Oil and Gas Company and Ali Murtaza Abbas, Group Regional Advisor Middle East and Africa MOL Hungarian Oil and Gas Company.