The office of the President of Ukraine has responded to a proposal from Hungary’s future Prime Minister, Péter Madjar, regarding a potential meeting between Madjar and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Ukraine’s Response to Meeting Request
Dmytro Litvin, an advisor to the President of Ukraine, stated on Wednesday that President Zelenskyy has not yet established his schedule for June. Litvin noted that bilateral meetings are typically coordinated through established bilateral contacts.
Proposed Meeting in Berehove
Péter Madjar recently indicated his intention to initiate a meeting with President Zelenskyy in early June. The proposed location for this encounter is the city of Berehove, located in the Zakarpattia region.
Madjar’s proposal follows a meeting he held with Zoltán Babjak, the mayor of Berehove, to discuss the situation of the Hungarian minority in the region. Madjar argued that it is time to restore the educational, administrative, linguistic and cultural rights of Hungarians in Zakarpattia so they may once again be “equal and respected citizens of Ukraine.”
Differing Perspectives on Minority Rights
During the discussions with Madjar, Mayor Zoltán Babjak offered a different perspective, asserting that there are no oppressions of the Hungarian national community within Ukraine.
The focus on national minorities has been a priority for Madjar since the electoral victory of the opposition “Tisa” party. He has previously stated that the settlement of minority issues would be required to establish positive relations between the two neighboring countries.
Depending on the coordination of schedules, a meeting in June could serve as a primary point of contact for the novel Hungarian administration to outline its expectations for bilateral cooperation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where and when does Péter Madjar want to meet President Zelenskyy?
Madjar has proposed a meeting in the city of Berehove in early June.
What are the primary goals of the proposed meeting?
Madjar aims to discuss the restoration of cultural, linguistic, administrative, and educational rights for Hungarians in Zakarpattia and the end of legislative restrictions that have lasted more than ten years.
How did the Ukrainian presidency respond to the proposal?
Advisor Dmytro Litvin stated that the President has not yet coordinated his June schedule and that such meetings are arranged through bilateral contacts.
Do you believe that local meetings in border regions are an effective way to resolve national diplomatic disputes?
